Erkut Onart

A Photographer in his Habitat

This is a picture of my older older-brother Erkut Ağabey that I took while visiting him in his apartment in Ankara Turkey. I say “older older-brother” since I also have or regret to say “had” another older-brother, younger older-brother who is not with us anymore.

My older brother has been an accomplished photographer since his at least high-school years. I remember him having an “Exacta” type camera with a viewfinder to which one could look down or by pushing a cover at the back one could use it by putting on one’s face. I also remember him documenting various historical events that had taken place during his youth. Unfortunately very few of these negatives or prints might have survived.

On the shelves of his drawers, we see a sizable camera collection. On the right-hand side, a picture depicts him with acclaimed Turkish photographer Ara Güler. A little higher: my younger older-brother Aykut Ağabey.

The Smile of a Bridge Player

This is a picture of my older older-brother Erkut Ağabey that I took in Watermill Bridge Club in Long Island. We can see the satisfaction of a well-played game on his face.

My older brother is a passionate bridge player — an international card-carrying one, I must say. I understand he represented from all places the country of Luxembourg in a European championship. Not winning, but a good game is important to him. Joy is the biggest win, in any case; isn’t it.

Some of photographs taken by Erkut Ağabey can be seen at this WEB site: www.erkutonart.org