Negative Space

March 2026 - April 2027
KONYA

The increasing number of sinkholes in the Konya Plain is not merely a geological formation; it is a visible manifestation of humanity's relationship with nature.

This project traces the transformation created by the uncontrolled depletion of underground water resources over many years, through the daily lives of people living around the sinkholes in Karapınar, Konya.

The photographs produced during the 12-month field study in Konya aim to approach the fragile relationship between humans and geography from a silent and observational perspective.

The project aims to present the resulting photographic series to the public through exhibitions, publications, and public screenings.

Ali Saltan

He is particularly interested in issues of borders, identity, and migration within the context of political and cultural geography; as well as subcultures, urban memory, remnants, and gentrification. In addition to his photographic work, he conducts various workshops and training programs.

His work has been shown at numerous national and international festivals, exhibitions, and art venues, including Fetart Circulation(s), BursaFotoFest, OFF Bratislava Photography Festival, and İstanbulFotoFest. He was a finalist for the LensCulture Portrait Awards and won the OFF Bratislava Lee Award (2021).

His work, “Beyond the River,” was published as a book in 2012. His photographic work has also appeared in publications such as İZ magazine, Kontrast magazine, “Surplus of Istanbul,” “MerhaBarev Kars Gyumri,” and National Geographic Armenia; he has also contributed as a writer to various magazines.

He graduated from the Sociology Department of Mimar Sinan Fine Arts University in Istanbul and completed his master's degree in Women's Studies at Ankara University. Between 2010 and 2018, he worked as an instructor in various photography courses at Başkent University and Ankara University.

He currently carries out photography and video projects for national and international NGOs and continues his independent work. Ali Saltan is a member of PLATFORM by GAPO.

This page is published on 20 August 2026.