A Photo-Ethnographic Study, On Photography, Photographic Stories, Reformers Politics and the World
Published on 29/02/2024
Comments 86

Children Of War and A Look Into the Parallel Universe

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Once in many years comes a project that brings your life’s reality to a halt. Probably bringing a comma or a complete stop for sometime.

Even though it isn’t a big deal to be trained in the visual medium today as everyone’s eyes roll over social media like clouds moving above us, most of the times everything passes as our heads are always elsewhere but that one moment when the thunder strikes, we come back to life.

Our World is at war. Still not at its peak as the real WAR is still around a few years away, but as we read this article in 2024, the world is already on a boil and soon rather anytime it is expected to burn. Only if things, governments, war companies do not mend their ways but even for that the time has already gone.

Ever since the US moved out of Afghanistan; West Asia and the Middle East has become ever so vulnerable. The ever going war in Africa, Syria, Yemen, ever since in Afghanistan, Russia-Ukraine. And now ever since Hamas militant’s condemnable attacks on Israeli Civilians on 7th October 2023, the counter Israeli attack has been brutal to inhuman. But for how long will you keep looking at those images of war that just look war images of any war ever fought and thats about it. We have been moving on, as if documenting yet another day.

Yesterday when I came across Ugur’s work on war, it not only stopped me from doing anything else but brought me close to tears, and I must tell you, it is not easy for me to become numb. It brought not just another universe to life for me but many ones into one parallel universal truth that actually makes us look at humanity and inhumanity in single frames. His magnificent work started shouting at me and only it forced me to share this very important work with you, my co-travellers and family here. We could be living in any part of the world and might have our opinions about right and wrongs but here is one work that is standing out shouting on our face without any sound.

Here, I am taking your important time as I share Ugur Gallankus’s 50 images dedicated to misplaced children of War :


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Fifty. But these are absolutely, heart achingly, heart wrenchingly agitating, confusing and unnerving images that provoking one to get up and do something; it is pushing us to confront some of those strange emotions that we are running from. Some and actually most all, unsettle the settled, make thinking, doing anything else impossible. And thus ever since I laid my eyes on this work of the Turkish Photographer Ugur Gallenkus I could not do anything just marvel at this work of his. I don’t want to but tell him in my own small way, how important this work is, for all those ones that like not seeing something far and more real happenings of our Earth.

Some of them are literally out of this world. How can there be such destruction and symphony at the same time and I especially thank him for creating Image number 2, 5, 7, 13 and 25, even though I want to name them all. Hence, I would really like if you can share your views about this project and if any Image spoke to you?

I will soon be writing to him and will love to hear from my co-travellers here, If any image spoke with you and which one and what do you think of a work such as this? Please share and Comment below.

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Thank you.

If today is the first time you have arrived on The Road to Nara, you are heartily welcome ~ Namaste

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I will take this opportunity to introduce you to About me and importantly,

As a co-traveller, share my Ten Lessons I learnt from several years on the road, before you coarse on your own Road to Nara.

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You might also like to know about My Little School Project.

If you wish to come over for a visit someday, that you must, you will be heartily welcome here

If you have anything to share, or feel like saying a hello, please feel free to write to me at lotusofnara@gmail.com

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Hi, I am Narayan Kaudinya. And i welcome you on this journey, the Road to Nara ! I am an Ethnographer and a practicing Indologist. I did my masters in History and further learnt Sanskrit, Yoga and Nerve-therapy. At 24, pushing most academic sounding, office sitting works away, i felt compelled to know and understand the world and my country, Bharat/India. I travelled, and as it happened i took up teaching in Kashmir and further up in the remote villages of Baltistan in the foothills of Karakoram Ranges. For around three years and many states later there came a time when i felt that it was only while teaching i learnt how to laugh, to see, feel, breathe, love and cry -with children, and mostly resource-less parents in the harshest-freezing border conditions. I write, and work as a documentary photographer and Filmmaker, with numerous published, exhibited and some awarded stories. In my travels and life i have let nature lead me, the divine mother, and as a Yogin, my resolve here is to share my experiences and thoughts as honestly, and through them to blossom in everyone the power and possibility in pursuing your breath, that you seek your true nature with courage and curiosity. Here, on this road i will share my spirit, my love for nature, the elements of life that are us. And in doing so, i'll be happy to see you along.

86 Comments

  1. Pingback: Children Of War and A Look Into the Parallel Universe | ROAD TO NARA | Ned Hamson's Second Line View of the News

  2. Diti Sen says

    It’s hard to choose from these or post an appropriate comment. Each frame tells of the tragedy that has overtake us now, of a world where children are killed in the name of religion and war, deemed a necessity in this parallel world. The photos hit where it hurts the most. Ugur Gallankos’ insights and craft are amazing, to say the least.

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
  3. Ashley says

    There once was a TV programme here in the UK called “This is your life” when an unsuspecting celebrity would be presented with a book of their life’s achievements, particularly charitable work, in the presence of gathered friends & family! Ugar Gallenkus’s photographs presents EVERYONE of us with “These are our lives”, our achievements!
    I cannot choose between them!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    • Narayan Kaudinya says

      Ashley, you meant the production people of that TV programme presented the invited celebrities with a book on their life’s achievements? That’s such a lovely gift.

      Of course, Dear Ashley, choosing actually cannot be an option with a work such as this.

      Also, Apologies for taking time to write back, and thank you for your important comment.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      • Ashley says

        Yes, Narayan, the programme (in the early days) was fronted by Eamon Andrews, a well known presenter. Ugar Gallenkus presents us, todays audience, with some very shocking images of humanity’s “good” works! (I think my original comment was a bit unclear, I hope this one says it better).

        Liked by 1 person

        Reply
  4. Crystal Byers says

    The juxtaposition of global realities and the priorities of privilege—play, entertainment, sports, art, fashion, beauty, health—vs. the priority of war—survival. It’s embarrassing and heartbreaking that we let it all happen.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    • Narayan Kaudinya says

      And a project that could highlight it all, with such straightforwardness and simply. So much truth was there in this project. Thanks for writing, dear Crystal.

      Like

      Reply
  5. Monkey's Tale says

    Very thought provoking. It took my brain a few pictures to see what was happening. Number 3 is where I began to understand the images, but they are all equally powerful. Maggie

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    • Narayan Kaudinya says

      It was Maggie, such a project that changes the way we look at things, challenges our perspective.

      Apologies for taking time to write back Maggie, and thanks for your important comment.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  6. Tippy Gnu says

    As with all great art, there are different ways to interpret these photo mashups. One way I see it is that they illustrate the possibility of peace. Those who live in regions of constant war and strife could take a lesson from these photos and know that there is a more peaceful, less violent way of life possible. It involves learning how to get along with each other, and learning how to agree to disagree without taking up arms.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    • Narayan Kaudinya says

      Dear Tippy, Apologies for taking time to write back. Sure interesting Photo mashups are one way to look at these yet they make sure to take us to varied perception planes. Thank you for coming over and your interesting comment.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  7. gabychops says

    Narayan’s great talent is finding and presenting documentaries about unique, extraordinary, and unforgettable places. Today’s post is even more so. It shows the work of Turkish photographer, Ugur Gallenkus, which in Narayan’s own words is literally out of this world, and he is right. Gallenkus created vibrant collage art that is breath-stopping in its power to shock and move to tear the viewer. The images of privileged Western Cultures merge in a flowing motion with those from
    war-torn nations in the Middle East, especially, Gaza. His unapologetic and shocking work speaks to our hearts and alerts us to the events that are strangling our world, while we are unaware of its happening. Yet, he allows us to form our own opinions but we cannot remain uninvolved.
    To me, every image is striking and important, and perhaps, Narayan, when writing to Ugur Gallekus, thanks him for his work’s impact on all viewers.
    Thank you, Narayan, for your masterly choice of today’s topic, and the power of your unmissable, heart-rending introduction.

    Joanna

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
    • Narayan Kaudinya says

      Thank you dear Joanna for your important comments on a work that personally moved me immensely. You rightly termed it unapologetic as much they are on your face and do justice in revealing the hypocrisy of the richer nations, of where the focus is.

      I will certainly mention of how you and many others who have written think about his work. Thank you again for your enlightening comments Joanna.

      Like

      Reply
  9. Easymalc says

    This post is undeniably poignant in the extreme. We would all love to see a safe world, not just for children, but for every human being on the planet. Unfortunately, the world doesn’t allow it. I’ve always believed that the world will never stop fighting with itself until an outside influence makes it happen. The juxtaposition of these images are brilliant but it doesn’t give us an answer to the problem. Life is so much more complex than that, even if we think it shouldn’t be. A great post Narayan.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    • Narayan Kaudinya says

      Thank you dear Malcom, there is nothing more to add. World is not going to stop of course, fighting seems ingrained just like desire. And I apologise for taking this much time to write.

      Like

      Reply
  10. Yetismith says

    Wow, I agree. These images really force you to see the parallel worlds we live in. I can see why those particular images caught your most. For me: 6 the golden Oscar statuette, so coveted in contrast to the man holding a child among the ruins. 14 the hand with strings manipulating the scales of justice which is sadly so true. 15 a man kissing the head of a (dead?) infant. 16 the Michael Jackson image and the dead eyes of the soldier. 29 the child soldier. These are really affecting images. The photographer has done an incredible work and I thank you for sharing it.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    • Narayan Kaudinya says

      Thank you for sharing this precious comment dear Caro. My other aim of asking to choose if they liked any image was also to make my co-travellers see images more keenly and intensely as i did not want to make it any other photo essay article. Its an important work and it needed attention. I love all the images and absolutely stand behind your choices of images as i love them how they are treated. Thank you again dear Caro for writing. I know you have an eye for images, and that you carry it from your father. I appreciate it.

      Like

      Reply
    • Narayan Kaudinya says

      Thank you dear Mary for writing on this confusing, provoking, heartbreaking story. And I apologies for taking some time to write back.

      Like

      Reply
    • Narayan Kaudinya says

      Thank you for writing your important comment Rosa, though it took me some time to write back, but its an important work by the photographer and I wanted to do my bit by sharing. Thank you again.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  15. Stella, oh, Stella says

    Gallenkus combines the two extremes of our everyday world in a genius way into thought provoking and heart wrenching images. All the pictures you showed here are of the same quality. He is an outstanding observer and artist.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    • Narayan Kaudinya says

      You are right on point dear Stella, he does it in a genius way, powerful and heart breaking images- its an important project that needs attention of the decision makers. Thank you again and apologies for taking time to write back to you.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  16. Michael Graeme says

    As others have said, Narayan, thank you for sharing these images. I was unaware of Ugur’s work. They are very powerful.

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
  17. rothpoetry says

    The contrast of worlds colliding is a sad reality. The young boy with the guitar and AK-47 is so sad and carries over to our life here in Charlotte as well. We have teenagers shooting each other as gangs clash. Seems a teenager is shot every day with children and others often getting caught in the crossfire. They are sometimes caught an out on bail before the end of the day! The word gangs is never used on the news broadcasts.

    The photos you have shared are heartbreaking and so very sad. I think the world has become Jaded to the fact that people will always be at war as they vi for power and space. The solutions must start with individuals and the way we raise our children. When we fill our screens and video games with war and violence, what else can we expect! Seems we have a long way to go.

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
  19. Michele Lee says

    Deeply moved. I often consider the contrasts that exist in our world but to see so many scenarios depicted side by side makes the contemplating real. Thank you for this important share.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  20. Graham Stephen says

    these juxtaposed image pairs are truly shockingly poignant. and rightly so. such tragedy.

    -✧✦☆❖◈❋✤☆✦-∞-♡-∞-✦☆✤❋◈❖☆✦✧-

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    • Narayan Kaudinya says

      Thanks dear Alison for writing. You put it rightly and it is understandable, even i hesitated in asking if any image was created better than other, rather my only motive was to make my readers observe them closely. Thanks again and apologies for taking time to write back.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  26. Ana Daksina says

    Talk about bringing one side to the other!

    As they say about genius, it is these photographic collages’ simplicity which propel them so deeply into the heart.

    Truly, we have illustrated here the supreme power of the fine arts ~ to help us come together.

    Good finding, my friend! But then, I would expect no less from you 🙋

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  28. gc1963 says

    The pics very pointedly underscore the contras of our Universe where unfortunately joy and sorrow, victory and defeat, massacre and creation, construction and de-construction reside together. I say unfortunately because we on either side are oblivious of the other parallel side as rightly put by you. Those who are in the midst of massacre have forgotten what peace and prosperity are. Those who are in revelry blissfully ignore the ones being tormented. I guess this is how human civilization has moved forward forever synthesizing through thesis and anti-thesis. Falling and failing and then getting up and scaling heights. The pics are multi dimensional and dynamic which epitomize the paradoxes, the diversities, the disparities and dualities of contemporary times. Whether we agree or disagree these photographically tell the story of historical progression of planet Earth and it’s inhabitants – the homo sapiens blinded by their fake sense of superiority and ruthless aggression – a tug of war of regression and so called development. It is debatable whether we should use the term development in so far as knowhow, technology, science and management are concerned.

    Liked by 2 people

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    • Narayan Kaudinya says

      Thanks for such a thorough review of this important post GC. Even in the digital times what we can do is pass on the knowledge, the information of what’s happening, otherwise wars, some kind or other have always been happening in some part of the world through ages. Just that images and its happening are in the open now. And its seems now that this is a wild and cruel part of humankind’s devolution on this planet(later or sooner)

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  33. tidalscribe.com says

    Thanks for introducing us to this artist who captures so poignantly the contrast between lives. No one chooses to be in the wrong side of the picture.

    Like

    Reply
  36. Stacey says

    Thank you for visiting my blog to need me to yours, Narayan! I had not heard of this photographer, so thank you for sharing. Have a great day!

    Liked by 1 person

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