Photolucida: Ferit Kuyas: Aurora
I’m a long time fan of Swiss photographer, Ferit Kuyas. His stunning project and book, Chongqing, City of Ambition was received with much acclaim in 2011. He brought a new project to Photolucida, Aurora, Guatemala City Habitat–the result of an invitation to a photo festival in Guatemala. Ferit has a new book to accompany the work that can be purchased on his site. Ferit achieves his wonderful imagery with a 4×5, carefully composed and executed. He also opens an exhibition at Art Galerie Siegen in Siegen, Germany opening June 26th and running through September 7, 2013.
Approaching our destination I learned that Guatemala City airport’s name is “La Aurora“. Somehow this was touching. Aurora, the name of the goddess of dawn is a sign for a new beginning, it feels very optimistic. And most of the 3.5 million people populating Greater Guatemala City need that optimism to get through their life. Their hospitality and friendliness on one hand and the issues they are facing with poverty and security problems on the other hand quickly made me think of my next project.
January 2011 I started photographing the city. I was aware of the danger, having before seen private security guards standing in front of virtually every building. I had not imagined that it would be so difficult to get what I wanted—some of it I never got. If something was interesting there would be a wall or security guard in front of it. Or both. Without my local helpers I would have been lost. It is crucial to know where one can go and where absolutely not.
Like in many other countries in a similar situation the American Way of Life is the goal for many. Global franchising companies have spread out and mobile communication is extremely popular. The United States of America have contributed to shaping the city—it was Pan American Airlines who imposed the airport to be much closer to the city center.
Another poisoned dish. But an exciting one.
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