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Bright, hot pink light streaks form abstract shapes against a completely black background, creating a dynamic and energetic composition. The luminous pink forms resemble interconnected tubes or flowing ribbons, suggesting movement and fluidity.
Light trails, appearing as a series of arched shapes in white and gold, create an abstract composition reminiscent of musical notation or a stylized cityscape at night. The image uses long exposure photography to capture streaks of light against a dark background.
Swirling, multicolored light trails create an abstract pattern against a black background; the vibrant red, blue, and orange lines evoke a sense of movement and energy.

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index

1. Soft Spiral on Pink Light, (from the series “experiMental”), 2024, print on Acrylic glass, edition of 3, each 80 x 60 cm

2. Downward Twist on a Building, (from the series “experiMental”), 2017, print on Acrylic glass, edition of 3, each 80 x 60 cm

3. Curved Glide on Led, (from the series “experiMental”), 2015, print on Acrylic glass, edition of 3, each 80 x 60 cm

4. Rotation on Blue Light, (from the series “experiMental”), 2023, print on Acrylic glass, edition of 3, each 80 x 60 cm

2. Rotation Twisted, (from the series “experiMental”), 2017, print on Acrylic glass, edition of 3, each 80 x 60 cm

3. Rotation Slide, (from the series “experiMental”), 2015, print on Acrylic glass, edition of 3, each 80 x 60 cm

shortbio

Mustafa Kemal Kim, also known as mustakemakima, was born in Cyprus in 1990 and is currently based in Berlin.

mustakemakima's initial exploration of photography began with a compact camera, using self-portraiture and digital compositing to create multilayered images, such as his first series “f*ck yourself”.


Seeking to push the boundaries of what the camera can record, mustakemakima adopted an experimental approach in-camera manipulations as intentional camera movement, and applied the technique on portrait, landscape and street photography by using artifical lights and daylight. These experimentations eventually led him away from purely representational imagery toward the production of non-representational photographs.


Over time, his work has been exhibited in group exhibitions in Berlin and other European cities, and has entered private collections.

Beyond his experimental practice, mustakemakima also engages in traditional photographic methods as a means of communicating political and social themes of concern, while simultaneously exploring introspective visual expression.
Most recently, he enhanced his professional artistic development by participating in the Art Up Now! professionalization program and co-organized the group exhibition "Future Alchemists" with other local artists at Bethanien Projektraum in Berlin.

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Motion-blurred figures of people stroll through a blossoming orchard, the pink and white flowers of the trees forming a soft, dreamy backdrop. The image evokes a feeling of peaceful movement and springtime renewal.
A blurred image depicts a large crowd of people walking toward a monumental archway, creating a sense of movement and scale. The focus is intentionally soft, emphasizing the overall atmosphere and the imposing architecture.
A blurred figure walks through a city night scene, the motion of the person and the surrounding lights creating streaks of color and an impression of movement. The image uses light trails to evoke a feeling of speed and energy within the urban environment.

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A heavily blurred image depicts the Parthenon on the Acropolis in Athens; the iconic Greek temple is almost entirely obscured by a hazy, indistinct atmosphere.

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index

1. Swipe Down Kirschbäume, (from the series “silhouettes”), 2021, print on Acrylic glass, edition of 3, each 80 x 60 cm

2. Swipe Down Brandenburger Tor, (from the series “silhouettes”), 2017, print on Acrylic glass, edition of 3, each 80 x 60 cm

3. Swipe Right A Single Man, (from the series “silhouettes”), 2015, print on Acrylic glass, edition of 3, each 80 x 60 cm

4. Swipe Down Oberbaumbrücke, (from the series “Scapes”), 2017, print on Acrylic glass, 1 of 3 Edition, 60 x 40 cm

5. Slide Down Istanbul, (from the series “Scapes”), 2017, print on Acrylic glass, 1 of 3 Edition, 60 x 40 cm

6. Slide Down Acropolis/Parthenon, (from the series “Scapes”), 2016, print on Alu-Dibond, 1 of 3 Edition, 80 x 60 cm

statement

My artistic practice examines essential elements of photography through experimentation with the dynamic interplay of light and motion, achieved entirely through in-camera techniques.
 

In the “experiMental” series, I create non-representational photographs by deliberately manipulating camera movement and exposure settings. Here, light and motion become the primary subjects, transforming the photograph into a visual object with its own structure and presence. This process intentionally minimizes or excludes digital alterations, focusing on what occurs within the camera itself.
 

Earlier in my practice, movement primarily were to blur and distort recognizable subjects. Over time, however, my interest shifted toward crafting images defined solely by controlled light and motion, moving away from representing reality toward constructing unique visual entities.
 

In parallel, the “docuMental” series revisits traditional photographic genres including street photography, abstract imagery, still life, and documentary, to engage with political, societal, and personal themes. This body of work anchors my exploration of photography’s communicative power alongside its creative possibilities.
 

My work explores photography both as an art form and as a language, using the camera -images while aesthetically employing its ability to inform, move, and provoke thought.

A blurred, ghostly figure appears to be crawling across a wooden floor, its hands visible as it moves along the planks. The monochromatic image creates an eerie, unsettling atmosphere.
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A weathered stone bell tower, detailed with ornate carvings and columns, stands tall against a partly cloudy sky; a modern electric speaker is mounted near its top.
Overgrown with lush green vegetation, several weathered stone crosses mark simple graves in a secluded, possibly abandoned, graveyard. The crosses, some bearing inscriptions, are partially obscured by the encroaching plants.
Two church bell towers, one stone and one topped with terracotta tiles, are partially visible against a clear blue sky; evergreen trees partially obscure the view.

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index

1. Converted by  a star and a crescent, (from the project “Divided Island”), 2021, print on Fine Art Paper, 1 of 3 Edition, 60 x 40 cm

2. 'Foreigners Cemetery', (from the project “Divided Island”), 2020, print on Fine Art Paper, 1 of 3 Edition, 60 x 40 cm

3. Converted by Darkglass, (from the project “Divided Island”), 2020, print on Fine Art Paper, 1 of 3 Edition, 60 x 40 cm

4. Cracked home (from the project “Divided Island”), 2021, print on Fine Art Paper, 1 of 3 Edition, 60 x 40 cm

5. Municipality Building in Varosha/Ghost Town, (from the project “Divided Island”), 2021, print on Fine Art Paper, 1 of 3 Edition, 60 x 40 cm

6. Tree in the old house (from the project “Divided Island”), 2020, print on Fine Art Paper, 1 of 3 Edition, 60 x 40 cm

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A man in a mustard-colored jacket walks past a building with large advertisements featuring scantily clad women; the juxtaposition of the everyday pedestrian and the provocative imagery creates a striking visual contrast.
A woman sits smoking beside a makeshift stall next to a large billboard depicting a scantily clad woman. The juxtaposition highlights the stark contrast between the commercialized image and the reality of street life.

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index

1. Dip-in, (from the project “South Africa”), 2025, print on Fine Art Paper, 1 of 3 Edition, DINA2 (42,0 x 59,4 cm)

2. Deep-in, (from the project “South Africa”), 2025, print on Fine Art Paper, 1 of 3 Edition, DINA2 (42,0 x 59,4 cm)

3.Dig-in, (from the project “South Africa”), 2025, print on Fine Art Paper, 1 of 3 Edition, DINA2 (42,0 x 59,4 cm)

4. Maverick 1, (from the project “South Africa”), 2024, print on Fine Art Paper, 1 of 3 Edition, DINA2 (42,0 x 59,4 cm)

5. Maverick 2, (from the project “South Africa”), 2024, print on Fine Art Paper, 1 of 3 Edition, DINA2 (42,0 x 59,4 cm)

6. Maverick 3, (from the project “South Africa”), 2024, print on Fine Art Paper, 1 of 3 Edition, DINA2 (42,0 x 59,4 cm)

exhibitions

- "Future Alchemists",2024. Bethanien Künstlerquartier, Berlin, Germany
group exhibition with Adrianne Gojak, Carola Ernst, Frauke Beeck, Heesun Kim, Malli Hellström, Sabine Kelka, Sonja Schön, Teresa Gruber.

- "Heimat!", 2024, Salon Halit Art, Berlin, Germany
collaboration with  Hulusi Halit – Sholeh Zahraei & Kamil Saldun.

- LINE+COLOR, 2023, lite-haus projektraum, Berlin, Germany
a group exhibition curated by Debbie Davies.

- "human touch", 2019, 15th Paratissima Art Fair, Torino, Italy
a group exhibition curated by Laura Pieri & Paolo Lolicata
 

- 1st Chania International Photo Festival, 2018 

- 5th C.I.P.  2021, Blank Wall Gallery (Athens), Greece

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A poppy is depicted in various stages of life against a crisp white backdrop, showcasing the flower in full bloom, a closed bud, and a seed pod. The composition highlights the plant's elegant stems and delicate petals, emphasizing its evolving beauty.
A white, divided serving dish holds two piles of vibrant purple cherry buds and a collection of slender green stems, possibly from the same plant. The contrasting colors and textures create a visually striking presentation.

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The image shows the angled apex of a dark, skyscraper-like structure against a clear blue sky, emphasizing its sharp lines and geometric form. The building's design creates a strong, upward-pointing triangular silhouette.
A large, dark, circular hole is shown against a textured, light-grey surface, next to a curved, shadow-like shape resembling an abstract form or a partially drawn object.

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1. Tulip, (from the series “things”), 2019, print on Fine Art Paper, 1 of 3 Edition, DINA3 (29,7 × 42 cm)

2. Poppy, (from the series “things”), 2019, print on Fine Art Paper, 1 of 3 Edition, DINA3 (29,7 × 42 cm)

3. Cherries, (from the series “things”), 2019, print on Fine Art Paper, 1 of 3 Edition, DINA3 (29,7 × 42 cm)

4. Horns, (from the series “construct for abstract”), 2022, print on Fine Art Paper, 1 of 3 Edition, DIN2 (42 cm x 59,4 cm)

5. Triangle, (from the series  “construct for abstract”), 2017, print on Fine Art Paper, 1 of 3 Edition, DIN2 (42 cm x 59,4 cm)

6. Hole, (from the series “construct for abstract”), 2020, print on Fine Art Paper, 1 of 3 Edition, DIN2 (42 cm x 59,4 cm)

The image is a stark black and white silhouette of a person lying down, their head resting on what appears to be a pillow, suggesting a scene of rest or sleep. The figure is positioned centrally within a rectangular frame.
The image shows a dark silhouette of a person, possibly seated, framed against a brightly lit, rectangular background. The stark contrast between the figure and the background creates a dramatic effect.
The blurry black and white image shows the indistinct silhouette of a person's head and shoulders, seemingly framed against a brightly lit, out-of-focus background. The focus is intentionally obscured, leaving the subject's identity and the scene's details ambiguous.

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The image depicts an abstract representation of two figures, possibly people, created from a network of white and red lines against a black background. The lines intersect and create a cubist or pixel-art style silhouette, hinting at human forms.

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1. Untitled (1), (from the series “by shade”), 2023, print on Fine Art Paper, 1 of 3 Edition, DINA4 (21 × 29,7 cm)

2. Untitled (2), (from the series “by shade”), 2023, print on Fine Art Paper, 1 of 3 Edition, DINA4 (21 × 29,7 cm)

3. Untitled (3), (from the series “by shade”), 2023, print on Fine Art Paper, 1 of 3 Edition, DINA4 (21 × 29,7 cm)

4. Self-intimacy, (from the series “selves”), 2015, print on Fine Art Paper, 1 of 3 Edition, DINA4 (21 × 29,7 cm)

5. Mind, (from the series “self versus”), 2018, print on Fine Art Paper, 1 of 3 Edition, DINA4 (21 × 29,7 cm)

6. f*ck your self (1), (from the series “f*ck your self”), 2013, print on Fine Art Paper, 1 of 3 Edition, DINA4 (21 × 29,7 cm)


upcoming:


Vernissage am 06.09.2025, 19-21 Uhr

in der  Salon Halit Art, Kreuzbergstr. 72 10965 Berlin​


GEMEINSCHAFTSAUSSTELLUNG mit HULUSI HALIT, MUSTAFA KEMAL KIM, SINEM VARDAR, SÖNKE LÖFFLER-VON-GIERKE, UTA FELDTEN-DROST

15. Art Kreuzberg Ausstellung

Vernissage in der Adlerhalle:
FR, 12. September, ab 18:00 Uhr

more info will follow...

alrights reserved. © mustakemakima 2025
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