Cihan Öncü is a Turkish photographer and visual artist based in Istanbul. He is best known for his unique and creative approach to photography, which combines elements of documentary, street, and fine art photography.
Born in Istanbul in 1985, Cihan Öncü developed an interest in photography at an early age. He began taking pictures of his family and friends as a hobby, but soon realized that he had a passion for the art form. After graduating from high school, he enrolled in the Photography Department at Mimar Sinan University of Fine Arts in Istanbul. During his studies there, he developed a strong interest in documentary photography and began to explore the streets of Istanbul to capture its unique culture and people.
In 2010, Cihan Öncü held his first solo exhibition at the Galeri Nev in Istanbul. Since then, he has exhibited his work around the world including at the Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) in Los Angeles and the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York City. His work has also been featured in numerous publications such as The New York Times Magazine, National Geographic Magazine, and The Guardian.
Cihan Öncü’s photographs are characterized by their vivid colors and dynamic compositions that capture everyday life on the streets of Istanbul. His work often focuses on themes such as identity, belonging, displacement, migration, and urban transformation. Through his photographs he seeks to document the changing face of modern Turkey while also exploring universal themes that are relevant to all cultures around the world.
In addition to his photographic work, Cihan Öncü is also an active member of several non-profit organizations dedicated to promoting social justice through art and education. He currently lives and works in Istanbul where he continues to explore new ways to express himself through photography.