As the debate about immigration and borders in Europe becomes more heated and more present in our newspapers and in public debate, 40 Stations is an exhibition by Turkish photographer Muammer Yanmaz examining the contributions and exchange that are the fruit of individuals crossing borders and mixing cultures. The project explores questions of identity, migration and assimilation and the role of Turkish intellectuals in major metropolitan centres including Paris, New York and London.

To complement this exhibition, the British Council has commissioned British photographer Annabel Elston to create a series in response, presenting 40 prominent members of the British community in Turkey. Despite the similar subject matter, the photographs are strikingly different: Muammer’s are black and white and emphasize the architectural context, whilst Annabel’s focus on the individuals. Each photograph is accompanied by a short text capturing the subject's relationship to their adopted country.

The show opens in London in May and will then be presented at SantralIstanbul, Istanbul’s newest arts venue housed in a spectacular former power station, as the start of its 5 city tour of Turkey.

Space, London, 3 - 31 May 2008
Santrallstanbul, Istanbul, July 2008