if walls could talk...
well, they do if you listen carefully!
I’m Tuğba, a Turkish-Greek Artist living in Berlin - as slow as possible is a newsletter exploring the in-between spaces of our lives that we see but often do not notice. Interested in reading more of my work? Consider subscribing:
high walls, low walls.
thick walls, thin walls.
stone walls, brick walls, marble walls.
walls? How boring! One may think.
Throughout history, walls have stood the test of time, from ancient ruins to grand castles and even our homes. They have witnessed the rise and fall of civilisations, our struggles, and our achievements. Walls are an essential part of our existence, silently observing the most significant moments of our lives, from moments of happiness and joy to times of grief and sadness.
We often walk by walls without giving them much thought, considering them only physical objects. However, walls are much more than that. They provide us with a sense of comfort, safety, and an outlet for expressing our emotions. Most significantly, they symbolise our shared humanity—they reflect our common experiences!
I have long been fascinated by walls and the art they contain. The texture, lines, shapes, forms, and colours all contribute to their beauty.
I often talk about the importance of paying attention to the world around us. As an artist, writer, and, most importantly, as a human being, I value this greatly. However, we’re slowly moving away from being present in the world. Most days, we tend to run on autopilot, constantly seeking stimulation and becoming over-consumed. As a result, our brains become disengaged as we fill every minute of our day with distractions.
It has been six weeks since I arrived in Athens. During this time, I have been learning Greek and writing my first book while exploring the city. The walls of Athens are stunningly beautiful, but they also carry a profound energy due to the city’s rich history. These walls have silently witnessed the passage of time, bearing the heavy weight of history on their shoulders. I have taken many photos, both analogue and digital. After returning to Berlin in early May, I plan to develop the analogue ones.
There is beauty everywhere. We need to retrain our little attention sensors by practising daily to notice the world around us.
I hope you enjoy the magnificent walls of Athens!
Thank you for all your beautiful comments, messages and support. This growing community keeps me going!
Consider further supporting my work by sharing my newsletter with family and friends.
Take care!
Your friend Tuğba
What you might have missed:
I love that you are exploring the world while writing your book. It makes you have the experience to write more freely and give the audience more insight on your journey.
This is great stuff, Tuğba. You made something so simple fascinating. Well done and oh, I just subscribed!