In 2007, Christa Frieda Vogel visited Istanbul for the first time. She was immediately fascinated by the city at the Bosphorus. It was her ambition to portray the city from an insider perspective, which led her to let Istanbul’s artists lead her to capture the city through their eyes. From this thought follows the concept to portray both, the individual artists and the spots that best represent their personal perception of Istanbul.

Vogel portrays 34 artists in their studios and accompanies them to their favourite spots in the city. Driven by the camera eye, the artists were challenged to view their hometown in a new light. Their 'favourite places' are shot in colour. The artist portraits are in black and white. The photographies are accompanied by brief statements written by artists themselves, describing 'their city' Istanbul. 34 artists present their personal perception of an exciting metropolis. Oscillating between productive chaos and institutionalisation, local politics and globalisation, the European Capital of Culture 2010 has an impressive art scene to offer.

Christa Frieda Vogel has focused on three generations of artists: the 60- to 80- year-olds, such as Ara Güler, the well-known Armenian-born photographer, or Burhan Doğançay, a painter, who is valued highly in the art market. Secondly, the 40- and 50-year-olds, such as Mahmut Celayir, who, after having worked in Stuttgart for several years, returned to Istanbul and established his work in the art market. Similarly, the painter Erdoğan Zumrutoğlu also belongs to that generation. He is a frequent guest in museums across Europe, constantly seeking an exchange between East and West. And finally, the 20- to 30-year-olds, such as Hande Varsat, who studied sculpture and faces difficulties because contemporary sculpture has not yet found its proper place in Turkey. For more information visit www.christafriedavogel.com (photo: christa frieda vogel)