Nazif Topcuoglu's Innerscapes At Green Art Gallery In Dubai

Turkish photographer Nazif Topcuoglu is known for his highly stylized shots of young women. Some of his photos are macabre, some are nostalgic, but all are absolutely charged with the electricity of his subjects. Though pretty on the surface, all of these young women are imbued with a sadness that can't be placed. It's a longing, perhaps, for another world -- or a better one. As they pose Pieta-style or engage in secret missions on the stairs, there is the sense that they are always fully aware at what is happening; their direct gazes challenge viewers to be shocked or titillated by this voyeurism. Topcuoglu has seen his share of turmoil as the idealism of the 1960s turned into the anarchy of the 70s, and his work conveys this sense of unease, as we crash into new eras seemingly without thinking about what we've left behind.

See a slideshow of Topcuoglu's ladies here, and let us know what you think of these vixens in the comments section below.