SHIFTING PERSPECTIVES

MEET THE ARTIST

Where do we come from? Where do we end up?

Our roots, intertwined with the earth, our heritage buried in the whispers of the wind.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY MICHAEL COOK TEXT BY PİRAYE MÜDERRİSOĞLU

Capturing moments where the past, present and future converge, the artist and photographer Michael Cook uses his lens both as a mediator and a storyteller, encouraging a dialogue that transcends the boundaries of time and social structures.

Shot in the remote deserts of Australia, his latest series, Fake (2023), follows an indigenous couple and their adopted children, as they embark on a journey through the Outback. Initially attired in luxurious clothes and possessions, the family gradually becomes immersed in the ancient landscape. Based on Cook’s experiences and past Gucci campaigns, the series draws on his life experiences: adopted into a non-native family, Cook accompanied his parents on journeys to remote communities, where they searched for gold as a hobby. Despite having been aware of them since childhood, it took time for him to grow into his Aboriginal roots. His adoptive mother, an activist, always encouraged him to embrace and learn about his indigenous heritage. His realisation that there was no ‘right’ way to be indigenous, or to include his heritage in his work, came late. Meeting his biological mother, in his late twenties, deepened his connection to his roots.


SHIFTING PERSPECTIVES

MEET THE ARTIST

Where do we come from? Where do we end up?

Our roots, intertwined with the earth, our heritage buried in the whispers of the wind.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY MICHAEL COOK TEXT BY PİRAYE MÜDERRİSOĞLU

Capturing moments where the past, present and future converge, the artist and photographer Michael Cook uses his lens both as a mediator and a storyteller, encouraging a dialogue that transcends the boundaries of time and social structures.

Shot in the remote deserts of Australia, his latest series, Fake (2023), follows an indigenous couple and their adopted children, as they embark on a journey through the Outback. Initially attired in luxurious clothes and possessions, the family gradually becomes immersed in the ancient landscape. Based on Cook’s experiences and past Gucci campaigns, the series draws on his life experiences: adopted into a non-native family, Cook accompanied his parents on journeys to remote communities, where they searched for gold as a hobby. Despite having been aware of them since childhood, it took time for him to grow into his Aboriginal roots. His adoptive mother, an activist, always encouraged him to embrace and learn about his indigenous heritage. His realisation that there was no ‘right’ way to be indigenous, or to include his heritage in his work, came late. Meeting his biological mother, in his late twenties, deepened his connection to his roots.


SHIFTING PERSPECTIVES

MEET THE ARTIST

Where do we come from? Where do we end up?

Our roots, intertwined with the earth, our heritage buried in the whispers of the wind.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY MICHAEL COOK TEXT BY PİRAYE MÜDERRİSOĞLU

Capturing moments where the past, present and future converge, the artist and photographer Michael Cook uses his lens both as a mediator and a storyteller, encouraging a dialogue that transcends the boundaries of time and social structures.

Shot in the remote deserts of Australia, his latest series, Fake (2023), follows an indigenous couple and their adopted children, as they embark on a journey through the Outback. Initially attired in luxurious clothes and possessions, the family gradually becomes immersed in the ancient landscape. Based on Cook’s experiences and past Gucci campaigns, the series draws on his life experiences: adopted into a non-native family, Cook accompanied his parents on journeys to remote communities, where they searched for gold as a hobby. Despite having been aware of them since childhood, it took time for him to grow into his Aboriginal roots. His adoptive mother, an activist, always encouraged him to embrace and learn about his indigenous heritage. His realisation that there was no ‘right’ way to be indigenous, or to include his heritage in his work, came late. Meeting his biological mother, in his late twenties, deepened his connection to his roots.


CURA

18

OUT NOW

is a large format international biannual magazine from Istanbul. Focusing on arts, culture and society, each issue tackles various universal subjects within a distinct theme.

Address

Karaköy Tarihi Un Değirmeni Binası, Kemankeş Mahallesi, Ali Paşa Değirmen Sokak 16, 34425, Karaköy Istanbul, Turkey

+90 212 232 4288

contact@212magazine.com

CURA

18

OUT NOW

is a large format international biannual magazine from Istanbul. Focusing on arts, culture and society, each issue tackles various universal subjects within a distinct theme.

Address

Karaköy Tarihi Un Değirmeni Binası, Kemankeş Mahallesi, Ali Paşa Değirmen Sokak 16, 34425, Karaköy Istanbul, Turkey

+90 212 232 4288

contact@212magazine.com

CURA

18

OUT NOW

is a large format international biannual magazine from Istanbul. Focusing on arts, culture and society, each issue tackles various universal subjects within a distinct theme.

Address

Karaköy Tarihi Un Değirmeni Binası, Kemankeş Mahallesi, Ali Paşa Değirmen Sokak 16, 34425, Karaköy Istanbul, Turkey

+90 212 232 4288

contact@212magazine.com