Selling the photos supports earthquake relief efforts in Turkey and Syria

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On February 6, a 6.4-magnitude earthquake struck parts of southern Turkey and northern Syria, killing tens of thousands and displacing many more. Two weeks later, a second earthquake struck the Turkish province of Hatay, bringing the death toll to more than 46,000 people in both countries.

In response to the urgent need for humanitarian aid in the region, five visual artists with personal connections to Turkey have launched a photo print sale to support earthquake victims in Turkey and Syria. In partnership with the US-based Turkish Philanthropic Funds Foundation, Six.Two Editions will donate net proceeds from the sale to the vetted NGOs. More than 200 photographs by artists including Diana Markossian, Joel Sternfeld and Vanessa Winship, among others, are on sale for $150 through March 20.

Photo by Roger Palin for Six.Two Editions

Artists and organizers Sevan Ozkanoglu, Devin Yalkin, Ebro Yildiz, Mitchell King and Willis Sirli felt called to do their part to help the earthquake victims. Previous campaigns such as Pictures for Elmhurst, which raised money for Queens, a New York hospital during spring 2020, and States of Change, which fundraised to help combat voter suppression in swing states during the 2020 presidential election, have inspired organizers to engage the photography community in their efforts. earthquake relief.

Sixth: The organizers of the two editions told Hyperallergic that they initially planned for a modest fundraiser, but their event has grown in scope.

“The initial feeling of helplessness quickly turned into the realization that many of the artists were willing to help and wholeheartedly said yes when we floated the initiative,” they said.

The United Nations reported that as of March 6, about 9.1 million people had been affected by the earthquakes and consequential damage. Rescue efforts have struggled as aid agencies and governments grapple with winter conditions and damaged infrastructure to transport essential supplies. The situation is particularly precarious in Syria, a country already ravaged by a 12-year civil war.

The organizers will send the 10-day maturity proceeds to five Turkish organizations (Ahbab Association, Ali Ismail Korkmaz Vakvi (Alikeyf), Darushavaka Association, Kirkayak Kultur, and Purple Solidarity). The group also hopes to confirm five Syrian NGOs (Baytna Syria, Women Now for Development, White Helmets (Syrian Civil Defence), Migration Research Association, Basma and Zaitouna).

This print by Sam Youkilis is on sale through March 20th.

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