Eylül Aslan is a Turkish photographer based in Berlin, whose work has often been featured in Oh Comely. Her photos capture provocative and sometimes sensual moments with the female figure at their centre, and lead us into a fanciful and sometimes slightly disturbing world. Rarely do you see the face or direct gaze of the subject; instead your imagination runs amok with allusions and hidden stories.
I spoke to Eylül about how she began photography, her inspirations, and her new book, Trauerweide.
Tell us a little about yourself and what you do.
I am Eylül Aslan from Istanbul, Turkey. I have been living and working in Berlin since the summer of 2012. I studied French Literature at Istanbul University and have also worked as a translator.
How long have you been taking photographs, and how did you start?
I've been taking photos since 2007. I actually started by taking lots of self portraits and photos of my cousin who lived with me back then. She was the one who motivated me to take more photos. With her encouragement I started a Flickr account, and after seeing the attention I was getting I decided to take it more seriously. I also got offers from fashion photographers in Turkey to work as their assistants, and did that for a while.
What inspires you in your photography?
It's mostly things that attract my attention, that give me some kind of an urge to photograph. I also enjoy telling stories; most of my photos have hidden stories behind them and I like the idea of people finding different stories of their own. And of course I think I use it as a tool to express myself…
Tell us about your book.
My book is about the sexual and political suppression of women in male dominant cultures such as my home country, Turkey.
What does "trauerweide" mean?
Trauerweide is a German word meaning 'weeping willow'. I wanted to choose a German name because since I moved to Berlin, my life has changed entirely and I am now so happy to be a part of this culture.The trauerweide tree looks like a veil (in this context a religious veil) that is covering a tree (or a woman) so that it's impossible to see the tree itself, or the trunk, the body and the roots, because it is completely covered by its branches.
Do you remember the first photo you took that you were proud of?
Yes, I think I do. I was doing one of my first 'serious' photo shoots with two cousins who are also my friends, and we were on a very high terrace in Istanbul. The sun was shining, the view of the city was amazing. I took a photo of the two of them, one hugging the other one from the back, and in the photo, you can see their hair and shoulders, and the sky is blue.
Who is your hero?
My hero is my mother. And not only because she is the person who gave birth to me and raised me but also because she is one of the strongest and most beautiful people I have ever known. She has taught me to be adventurous, open-minded, brave, funny, tolerant, free, independent and I am trying my best to be all of these. We are best friends and on top of everything, she is the one who led me to photography.
Eylül's book Trawuerweide is available here.
All photos by Eylül Aslan.
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