The Istanbul series by Gustavo Minas captivates and transports its audience on a captivating journey through the intricate urban labyrinths of the Turkish metropolis. Renowned as one of the most influential street photographers in the world, Minas possesses the extraordinary talent for capturing the pulsating soul of the cities he photographs, and Istanbul is no exception.
Born in a small town in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil, Minas followed an unusual path before discovering his passion for photography. After graduating in journalism, he spent a year in London working as a waiter before returning to Brazil to pursue a career in journalism. However, he soon discovered that the monotony of newsroom work could not quell his desire to explore and capture the vibrant life pulsating through the streets.
His encounter with the Brazilian master Carlos Moreira in 2009 was a turning point in his life. Inspired by Moreira's work and philosophy, as well as by masters of color and light such as Harry Gruyaert, Alex Webb, and Gueorgui Pinkassov, Minas embraced street photography with passion and dedication.
The Istanbul series is a tribute to his ability to find beauty in the ordinary and unpredictable. Through his lens, Istanbul's chaotic streets transform into poetic settings, where light and reflections play a magical role, illuminating the lives and stories of those who inhabit them.
Gustavo Minas Biography
Gustavo Minas was born in Cassia, a small town in Minas Gerais state, Brazil. Graduating in Journalism, he took an unconventional path before landing a job in his field. Opting for adventure, he ventured to London, where he spent a year working as a waiter. Upon returning to Brazil, he secured a position as a reporter at a prominent newspaper in São Paulo. However, the monotonous routine left him dissatisfied, prompting him to explore photography.
Under the tutelage of Brazilian master Carlos Moreira in 2009, his life took a transformative turn. Inspired by Moreira's teachings and the works of luminaries like Harry Gruyaert, Alex Webb, and Gueorgui Pinkassov, he immersed himself in street photography. Captivated by the interplay of light, reflections, and human experiences, he found his niche in capturing the essence of urban life.
In 2014, he relocated to Brasília, where he discovered the bustling chaos of the central Bus Station (Rodoviária) as a subject of interest. This project, initiated in 2015, garnered recognition, including accolades from Pictures of the Year Latam and exhibitions at prestigious venues such as the Centro de Fotografía de Montevideo and La Biennale di Venezia.
His dedication culminated in the publication of his debut book, "Maximum Shadow Minimal Light," and subsequent solo exhibitions in Hamburg and São Paulo. His "Liquid Series" project further solidified his reputation, earning him a nomination for the esteemed Leica Oskar Barnack Award in 2023.
Beyond his artistic pursuits, he has embraced teaching, conducting workshops worldwide and launching an online course on street photography. For him, photography transcends mere documentation; it is a means of self-discovery, understanding the world, and forging connections with others.
Website: https://www.gustavominas.com/
