At the Epicenter of COVID-19

Most patients that were admitted at the ICU of Gazi University Hospital in Ankara, Turkey exited the ICU in two days; either dead or healed. For those that COVID-19 defeated, the Imam washed the deceased patient, wrapped them in a shroud as per Islamic customs, and placed them inside the coffin for their journey to their final resting place.  
Despite all the efforts and hard work of everyone at the hospital, the reality of not everyone making it out was sobering. There was a feeling of defeat in the air every time a patient passed away which is hard to describe in words. It was s surreal experience taking this photograph and a very real and stark reminder of fragility of life.

Artist: F. Dilek Uyar

About F. Dilek Uyar:  
F Dilek Uyar is a highly accomplished travel and documentary photographer from Ankara, Turkey. Dilek is also a lawyer and a skilled sky diver. She took up photography after she quit sky diving as an escape from the courthouse and life. That spark turned into a fire which led her to be named National Geographic Travel Photographer of the Year in 2017. Fighting through challenges that are typical to what women face in male dominated spheres, she has not only made many proud with her accomplishments but has also inspired a new generation of women photographers in Turkey. 
Dilek, a TEDx speaker, is also a contributor photographer of National Geographic YS and National Geographic Turkey and teaches photography at Ankara Bilim University in Ankara Turkey. She is also a jurist for some of the most prestigious photography awards in the world like National Geographic. In 2020, she was named IPA Discovery of the year and best Reportage Photographer of the year at the 6th 35 Awards. She won the Sony World Photography Award and was the third-place winner in HIPA Humanity (story telling) awards in 2021. Dileks won 
As a woman photographer, lawyer, and mother from Turkey, she is a big champion of womens rights and issues and advocates for saying yes to change. Her goal is to increase social awareness and recognition with her stories and inspire young women in her country and all over the world.

License: Can be used to display privately, or in commercial and non-commercial settings, or in groups with an unlimited number of participants. The license includes unlimited use and display in virtual or physical galleries, documentaries, and essays by the NFT holder. Provides no rights to create commercial merchandise, commercial distribution, or derivative works. Copyright remains with the creator 

Edition: 15/15

Size: 3000*2000