Colors of Oceans through A Diplomat's Lens

C O L O R S OF O C E A N St h R O u g h A D I P L O M A t ’S L E N S

New York - United Nations Headquarters 8-19 September 2008

Underwater Photo Exhibiton by Çağatay Erciyes

Permanent Mission of Turkey to the United Nations

Cover Image - Seahorse and Coral - Caribbean Sea 2007

FOREWORD

In the realm of international relations defined by national interests of political and economic nature, when diplomats take up transnational issues like environmental protection, a visual reminder could be most instrumental to demonstrate what actually is at stake and thus to provide a better guidance to their hearts and minds. It would be even more convincing, yet unusual, if this reminder could come from a diplomat itself, through a photo exhibition such as this one. Hence, I could not think of a better place for such a display of artistic, yet conspicuous reminders than the United Nations where diplomats from all corners of the world strive to protect our environment.

Indeed, the photographs at display illustrate in a most convincing manner the biological diversity of our oceans, particularly those existing in the world’s coral reefs, where there is an explosion of life in every color and form. Yet, they also serve as a wake-up call to all of us in showing the vulnerability of those marine treasures. In fact, coral reefs are home to one fourth of all marine life and are essential not only to survivability of our oceans, but also to human well-being and prosperity, particularly for those living in small island states. However, they are under increasing threat due to the negative impacts of over-fishing, destructive fishing practices, coastal development, pollution and rising global temperatures.

In this regard, I hope and believe that the vividly colorful and vibrant photos taken by Mr. Erciyes, whom I have the pleasure of knowing and working with since he has joined the foreign service, will contribute to develop our understanding of and affection to the marine biodiversity which we all have to protect and preserve. This is indeed our collective responsibility towards future generations if we genuinely want to leave behind a world that can not only sustain itself but its inhabitants too. After all, as one wise man once said “We do not inherit the oceans from our ancestors; we borrow it from our children”. Baki İlkin Permanent Representative of Turkey to the UN

INTRODUCTION

Oceans have a vital importance to the survival of all life forms on our planet. Yet we still know very little about them. Given the recent changes and degradation of marine habitats, we are just starting to realize that we can no longer take oceans for granted and that more needs to be done to protect them from natural and man-made threats. Coral reefs, for instance, are among the most biologically diverse, yet highly fragile splendors of our oceans. Unfortunately, threats such as over-fishing, coastal development and rising sea temperatures, caused by global warming, are increasingly decimating sensitive corals and shredding the web of life they support.

As opposed to this rather dramatic introduction, I am just an amateur underwater photographer, albeit an enthusiastic one. I also consider myself as a keen conservationist of the marine environment. Indeed, starting with my childhood, I have developed a great passion for oceans and their silent but tempting world. Yet, I became a diplomat rather than an ocean scientist. Having studied international relations at the Ankara University, I joined the Turkish Foreign Ministry in 1988. And currently, I work at the Turkish Permanent Mission to the United Nations in New York. However, thanks to my profession, I had the opportunity to come across many oceans of the world and since 2003 have started capturing the inexplicably amazing moments beneath the surface with compact digital cameras. Later on, encouraged by my friends and colleagues, I launched a website in 2005 and named it “Colors of Oceans”. This is where I share my underwater images and travel notes. In the meantime, I participated in two joint photo exhibitions and became a frequent contributor to the underwater magazines in Turkey. I am also a member of the New York Underwater Photographic Society.

“Colors of Oceans through a Diplomat’s Lens” is my first individual underwater photo exhibition. The images displayed in the exhibition are merely little drops from the world oceans, but I hope that their rich colors can give you a better understanding of the diversity of life and the shear beauty of our Oceans. One of the main motivations leading me to underwater photography is that “the more we know about our oceans, the more we care and protect them.”

Hope you enjoy the images. Çağatay Erciyes

Colors of Oceans from Concept to Creation

For over 45 years, I have been creatively inspired by new or experienced artists’ visions and passions. I find great enjoyment when I work closely with an artist to create something that truly captures the essence of the subject. I had the chance to meet with diplomat and hobbyist photographer Mr. Çagatay Erciyes at the United Nations to discuss ideas for his exhibition. Mr. Erciyes’s work includes spectacular views of the world below the oceans and I felt that a traditional way of printing and gallery production wasn’t going to be enough for his awe-inspiring underwater images.

Mr. Erciyes and myself collaboratively chose to use a more conceptual way of dealing with his photography. We decided that the prints should illuminate from the back giving the viewer the feeling of actually being under the water. This makes the blue tones of the water even more vibrant, setting the aquatic marine life apart by emphasizing their distinct beauty.

We decided that the best and most eco-conscious way for these images to be represented was to create custom stretched fabric displays that allow the photography to be backlit with the newest energy efficient LED technology. By using fabric rather than the traditional heavy, non degrading PVC vinyl, we designed a high efficiency high impact exhibit that can be easily installed and shipped. This heightened awareness of our ecological footprint is the cornerstone of Duggal’s EcoImaging.

Baldev Duggal

Duggal EcoImaging is a division of Duggal Visual Solutions, a New York City based photographic lab and graphic display company. With cutting edge technology, creative teams, and professional craftsmanship Duggal produces unparalleled images and designs for an expansive range of applications.

UNDER MY ANTENNASBanded Coral Shrimp & Grunts • Cozumel Mexico - 2005

1

HUNTER & PREYFrog Fish • Bonaire Caribbean Sea - 2007

2

FLOWER BOUQUETSocial Feather Duster Worms • Bahamas - 2005

3

3 PLUS 1Barracudas and Diver at Duane Wreck • Key Largo USA - 2006

4

SHARK PIECESCaribbean Reef Sharks • Bahamas - 2005

5

FEATHERSPeacock Worm • Fethiye TURKEY - 2004

6

KELPKelp Branch • California USA - 2005

7

NIGHT LAMPTube Coral • Fethiye TURKEY - 2006

8

COLONYCup Corals • Bonaire Caribbean Sea - 2007

9

HIDE TO HUNTTrumpet Fish hiding in corals • Bonaire Caribbean Sea - 2007

10

REEF LIFE Caribbean Sea - 2005

11

AIRCRAFTCaribbean Reef Shark • Bahamas - 2005

12

NO WHERE TO GOCaribbean Reef Sharks • Bahamas - 2005

13

BABYJuvenile Spotted Drum on Sheet Coral • Bonaire Caribbean Sea - 2007

14

BABY IIJuvenile Moray • Bodrum TURKEY - 2004

15

WHERE IS THE FISH?Frog Fish & Diver • Bonaire Caribbean Sea - 2007

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GOLIATH & THE DIVERGoliath Grouper • Bahamas - 2005

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CORALS AT NIGHTStar Corals • Bonaire Caribbean Sea - 2007

18

CONVENTIONFrench Grunts • Cozumel Mexico - 2005

19

PATTERNExcerpt of a peacock worm • Bodrum TURKEY - 2005

20

NIGHT LIFEBrittle stars strolling around tube sponges • Bonaire Caribbean Sea - 2007

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YAWNING IFrog Fish • Bonaire Caribbean Sea - 2007

22

YAWNING IISpotted Moray • Bonaire Caribbean Sea - 2007

23

HOME SWEET HOMEBlenny • Bonaire Caribbean Sea - 2007

24

XMAS Christmas Tree Worm • Bahamas - 2005

25

TURKISH WRASSETurkish Wrasse & Peacock Worm • Datça TURKEY - 2004

26

SCHOOL OF FISHFrench Grunts • Key Largo USA - 2006

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COLORSAngel Fish • Bonaire Caribbean Sea - 2007

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ODD SHAPESpotted Scorpianfish • Bonaire Caribbean Sea - 2007

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SHADES OF VIOLETGiant Clam • Sharm El Sheikh EGYPT - 2004

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LIONLionfish strolling on fire coral • Sharm El Sheikh EGYPT - 2004

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NUDIBRANCHES IAegean Sea TURKEY - 2004-2006

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NUDIBRANCHES IIAegean Sea TURKEY - 2004-2006

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TINYYellownose Goby on Maze Coral • Bonaire Caribbean Sea - 2007

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IN THE BUSHSpotted Cleaner Shrimp in Anemome • Bonaire Caribbean Sea - 2007

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UNDER THE PIERSalt Pier • Bonaire Caribbean Sea - 2007

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UNDER THE SKYBonaire Caribbean Sea - 2007

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SEAHORSE ISeahorse • Bonaire Caribbean Sea - 2007

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SEAHORSE IISeahorse • Bonaire Caribbean Sea - 2007

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U.F.O.Giant Bubble • Aegean Sea TURKEY - 2004

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SEA RODCaribbean Sea - 2006

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BABY IIIJuvenile Trunk Fish • Bonaire Caribbean Sea - 2007

42

BRANCHESGorgonian Coral • Caribbean Sea - 2006

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FEATHERS IITube Worms • Aegean Sea TURKEY - 2004-2006

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CAMOUFLAGEJuvenile File Fish • Bonaire Caribbean Sea - 2007

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MEASLESRed Spotted Grouper • Key Largo USA - 2006

46

REEF SCENEBrain Coral & Diver • Bonaire Caribbean Sea - 2007

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CURIOUSSoldier Fish • Fethiye TURKEY - 2004

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DIVERSDivers, Sea Rod & Trumpet Fish • Bonaire Caribbean Sea - 2007

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BLURRYGoby & Peacock Worm • Saroz TURKEY - 2004

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FLOWER CORALKey Largo - Caribbean Sea - 2006

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SHRIMPSBanded Coral Shrimps • Bonaire Caribbean Sea - 2007

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CELLSStar Coral • Bahamas - 2005

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CHASING THE MONSTERBarracuda & the Diver • Cozumel Mexico - 2005

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TRANSPARENCYSoft Coral • Sharm El Sheikh EGYPT - 2004

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NEMOAnemone Fish • Sharm El Sheikh EGYPT - 2004

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UNDERWATER PHOTOGRAPHY EQUIPMENT

Olympus C-7070 compact digital cameraOlympus PT- 027 housing

Olympus PTWC-01 wide angle lensOlympus PTMC-01 macro Lens

INON D2000W strobe

SPECIAL THANKS TO

The Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs to which I belong, for generously sponsoring the exhibition

H.E. Mr. Baki İlkin& all my colleagues at the Turkish Mission

for their support and encouragement

Mr. Baldev Duggalfor his visionary exhibit ideas and sponsorship

Mr. Ryan ReitbauerMr. Soner Abacı

& Mr. Alptekin Baloğlufor their technical and artistic assistance

Ms. F. Özgür Oflaz for her graphic designs of the exhibit banners & invitations

3S Printing House - Ankara & ASDOĞAN Photo Studio - Ankara

for printing the exhibit catalog & the images on photobloc

Aytaç , Cem & Ceyhun ERCİYESfor their unabated under & above water support

Mr. Deniz Özgentaşfor his friendly support to the exhibit project

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