Saturday, November 30, 2024
Turkish Airlines is inviting visitors to experience a unique blend of art and emotion with its immersive installation Inner Portrait, now open at the Istanbul Atatürk Cultural Center (AKM). Created in collaboration with world-renowned media artist Refik Anadol, this thought-provoking installation marks its Turkish debut after debuting at Art Basel in Basel. It’s not just an art piece—it’s a heartfelt exploration of the deep, often unspoken connection between the human spirit and the desire to travel.
The Power of Travel Through Digital Art
Inner Portrait takes an intimate look at the biological and psychological impacts of travel. The installation features stunning digital portraits of four individuals from different parts of the world, each of whom has never traveled beyond their home country. Through Refik Anadol’s mesmerizing algorithmic art, these portraits reflect more than just faces—they capture the inner longing and emotional response to the idea of travel. The artwork asks us to consider: What does it mean to yearn for something you’ve never experienced? How does the desire to explore shape us, even when we are rooted in one place?
A Journey of Discovery Through Film
Alongside the installation, Inner Portrait is accompanied by a powerful documentary directed by BAFTA-winning filmmaker Jennifer Peedom and cinematographed by Renan Ozturk. The film follows the four individuals, delving into their personal stories and exploring how the idea of travel impacts their biology and mindset. It’s an exploration of how travel, or even the dream of it, can shift how we see ourselves and the world around us. The documentary brings a deeply human perspective to the installation, offering insight into the profound effects of travel—both physical and emotional.
A Chance to Connect with the Essence of Travel
Inner Portrait is open to the public at AKM until December 1, 2024, and offers an experience like no other. Whether you’re an art enthusiast, a seasoned traveler, or simply curious about how technology can capture the essence of human emotion, this installation will leave you with a deeper understanding of the transformative power of travel. It’s not just about visiting new places; it’s about how those journeys touch our hearts and change us forever.
Don’t miss this chance to immerse yourself in an art experience that blends technology, human emotion, and the universal longing for adventure. Inner Portrait is more than an exhibition—it’s an invitation to reflect on what travel means to us all.
Commenting on the Inner Portrait debut in Türkiye, Turkish Airlines Chairman of the Board and the Executive Committee Prof. Ahmet Bolat said: “Inner Portrait highlights that traveling is not only a physical journey, but it is also a profound experience that transforms a person’s inner world. As the airline flying to more countries than any other, we are committed to connecting the world through the universal language of art and culture. Within the framework of this mission, we are proud to be a brand that supports art at every point, building bridges with different cultures through art.”
Refik Anadol stated: “The Inner Portrait project is a journey that expresses the change traveling creates in the human mind and body at the intersection of science, life, and imagination. I am very excited to be able to present this work to the audience at the Atatürk Cultural Center (AKM), one of Istanbul’s most important cultural centers. The project aims to develop both our imagination and the way we perceive the world by bringing together a vast data archive consisting of the biological responses of the traveling participants with art.”
As part of the groundbreaking Inner Portrait project, four individuals from four different continents, each with no prior international travel experience, were selected to embark on transformative journeys. Their personal data was recorded before departure and after reaching their destinations, capturing the profound effects of travel on the human experience. Brazilian Tuikuru, an Amazon native, explored the vibrant streets of Tokyo, while Kenyan Esther delved into the rich cultural history of Istanbul. Sahar, from Australia, journeyed through the ancient wonders of Göbeklitepe and Cappadocia, and Icelandic Sigurbjörn experienced the enchanting landscapes of Jordan.
The data collection for this ambitious project was facilitated by Neuroelectrics, a global leader in neuroscience, using cutting-edge EEG sensors and advanced devices like the Empatica Watch. These tools tracked the biological and neurobiological responses of the travelers throughout their experiences. The collected data was then transformed into a unique work of art by renowned media artist Refik Anadol and his team.
Inner Portrait stands as a powerful reflection of Turkish Airlines’ commitment to fostering cultural exchange and innovation. Involving 220 people from around the globe, the project highlights the transformative power of travel. The immersive exhibition will tour various global locations, with a documentary set to be released on digital platforms in 2025, allowing audiences worldwide to witness the emotional and biological impact of exploring new horizons.
