## Turkish Airlines’ Inner Portrait: An Immersive Art Installation Exploring the Transformative Power of Travel
Turkish Airlines invites you to embark on a journey of art and emotion with *Inner Portrait*, a captivating immersive installation now on display at the Istanbul Atatürk Cultural Center (AKM). Created in collaboration with globally acclaimed media artist Refik Anadol, this groundbreaking exhibition makes its Turkish debut following a successful run at Art Basel. But *Inner Portrait* is far more than just an art piece; it’s a profound exploration of the intricate and often unspoken connection between the human spirit and the desire to travel, delving into the biological and psychological transformations spurred by exploration.
The installation features mesmerizing digital portraits of four individuals from diverse corners of the globe – each having never ventured beyond their home country. Through Anadol’s breathtaking algorithmic art, these portraits transcend mere facial representations. They become windows into the innermost longings and emotional responses evoked by the very idea of travel. The artwork compels us to contemplate: What does it mean to yearn for something unseen, untouched? How does the desire to explore shape our identities, even when our physical presence remains firmly rooted in one place?
Accompanying the installation is a powerful documentary, masterfully directed by BAFTA-winning filmmaker Jennifer Peedom and cinematographed by Renan Ozturk. This film intimately follows the four individuals, delving deep into their personal narratives and illuminating how the prospect of travel impacts their biology and mindset. It’s a poignant exploration of how travel – or even the mere dream of it – can reshape our self-perception and our understanding of the world around us, offering a uniquely human perspective on the profound, multifaceted effects of exploration.
*Inner Portrait* is open to the public at the AKM until December 1st, 2024, promising an unparalleled experience. Whether you’re a seasoned art aficionado, a globetrotter, or simply curious about the power of technology to capture human emotion, this installation will leave an indelible mark. It’s a reminder that travel transcends mere sightseeing; it’s a transformative journey that touches our hearts and reshapes us at our core. Don’t miss this chance to immerse yourself in this powerful blend of technology, human emotion, and the universal yearning for adventure.
A Journey of Discovery: The Participants and Their Experiences
The *Inner Portrait* project involved four participants from different continents, each without prior international travel experience. Their transformative journeys involved detailed data collection before and after their trips, using state-of-the-art EEG sensors and devices like the Empatica Watch provided by Neuroelectrics, a global leader in neuroscience. This data captured the biological and neurobiological responses to the travel experience, adding a scientific layer to the artistic exploration.
These extraordinary individuals included Tuikuru, an Amazon native from Brazil, who explored the vibrant city of Tokyo; Esther from Kenya, who immersed herself in the rich culture of Istanbul; Sahar from Australia, who journeyed through the ancient wonders of Göbeklitepe and Cappadocia; and Sigurbjörn from Iceland, who experienced the captivating landscapes of Jordan. Their journeys formed the heart of the project, providing the raw material for Anadol’s artistic interpretation.
Statements from Key Figures
Turkish Airlines Chairman of the Board and the Executive Committee, Prof. Ahmet Bolat, commented: “*Inner Portrait* highlights that traveling is not only a physical journey, but 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 this mission, we are proud to support art, building bridges with diverse cultures through impactful projects like this.”
Refik Anadol added: “The *Inner Portrait* project is a journey expressing the transformative power of travel on the human mind and body, at the intersection of science, life, and imagination. I am thrilled to present this work at the Atatürk Cultural Center (AKM), one of Istanbul’s most significant cultural hubs. The project aims to expand both our imagination and our perception of the world by combining a vast data archive of biological responses with art.”
*Inner Portrait* is more than an exhibition; it’s an invitation to reflect on the profound and transformative power of travel, a testament to Turkish Airlines’ commitment to cultural exchange and innovation. With over 220 individuals involved globally, this ambitious project is poised to tour internationally, with the documentary slated for release on digital platforms in 2025, ensuring a global audience can share in the transformative power of exploration.
