In Conversation: Lys Arango and Ara Güler
In Conversation: Lys Arango and Ara Güler
March 20, 2025
To celebrate Leica's 100th anniversary, Leica Gallery Madrid presents the exhibition In Conversation: A Photographic Dialogue Between Ara Güler and Lys Arango. The exhibition showcases works by the Armenian-Turkish photographer Ara Güler and the Spanish photographer Lys Arango. Here, Arango talks about the simmilarities in their work and which image particularly touched her.
Lys Arango: „The work of Leica Hall of Fame winners has always been a source of inspiration for me. Their images go beyond aesthetics; they tell stories that resonate on a human level. Ara Güler’s work reminds me of the importance of connecting with the soul of a place. He shows that documentary work is not just about capturing moments but about preserving stories and emotions – a philosophy that aligns with my own.
The dialogue between my work and Ara Güler’s reveals both similarities and contrasts. We both explore themes of identity, resilience, and change. On the other hand, our visual languages differ. His black and white street photography exudes spontaneity, while my work leans toward a more intimate approach, blending portraits, landscapes, and symbolic elements to convey a broader narrative. Together, our works form a compelling conversation about how places and people adapt to the passage of time.
One image that stands out to me is Ara Güler’s photograph of the Kumkapi fishermen returning to port in the first light of dawn. The composition is beautifully layered, capturing the interplay of light, texture, and movement. For me, it’s a poetic depiction of their relationship with the sea. The soft morning light, combined with the dynamic energy of the scene, creates a timeless image. This ability to convey both the hardship and the beauty of a way of life is something I deeply admire and aspire to reflect in my own work.“
Lys Arango: „The work of Leica Hall of Fame winners has always been a source of inspiration for me. Their images go beyond aesthetics; they tell stories that resonate on a human level. Ara Güler’s work reminds me of the importance of connecting with the soul of a place. He shows that documentary work is not just about capturing moments but about preserving stories and emotions – a philosophy that aligns with my own.
The dialogue between my work and Ara Güler’s reveals both similarities and contrasts. We both explore themes of identity, resilience, and change. On the other hand, our visual languages differ. His black and white street photography exudes spontaneity, while my work leans toward a more intimate approach, blending portraits, landscapes, and symbolic elements to convey a broader narrative. Together, our works form a compelling conversation about how places and people adapt to the passage of time.
One image that stands out to me is Ara Güler’s photograph of the Kumkapi fishermen returning to port in the first light of dawn. The composition is beautifully layered, capturing the interplay of light, texture, and movement. For me, it’s a poetic depiction of their relationship with the sea. The soft morning light, combined with the dynamic energy of the scene, creates a timeless image. This ability to convey both the hardship and the beauty of a way of life is something I deeply admire and aspire to reflect in my own work.“
Text: Lys Arango; Image: Ara Güler
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The exhibition at the Leica Gallery Madrid runs from March 20 to May 24, 2025.
Lys Arango+-
The Spanish documentary photographer and writer was born in Madrid and currently based in Paris. She holds a degree in International Relations from the University of Liverpool and a master's in Journalism from the Universidad Complutense de Madrid. Her work delves into social issues, exploring their historical and cultural contexts. In 2023, she joined Agence VU' and was honored with the Pictures of the Year Environmental Vision Award. The following year, she became a National Geographic Explorer. Her work has been featured in prominent publications including CNN, The Independent, BBC News, Le Monde, and El País. More
Ara Güler+-
In over six decades Güler produced unforgettable pictures of the Turkish metropolis of Istanbul. His black and white motifs reflect his love for and familiarity with the city where he was born in 1928, the son of a respected apothecary of Armenian descent. After studying economics, Güler decided to pursue a career as a photojournalist. He photographed all over the world with his Leica, because he wanted to be seen as more that just a chronicler of the Turkish city: “People call me a photographer of Istanbul, but I’m a world citizen. I’m a photographer of the world.” In 2016 he was acknowledged for his life’s work with the Leica Hall of Fame Award. More