Inner Portrait

An art project exploring the transformative power of travel on human emotions.

Uncover the deep impact of travel

Witness the transformative power of travel through Turkish Airlines' and Refik Anadol's visionary Inner Portrait project. This collaboration merges art, science, and technology to illustrate the emotional and sensory experiences of travel. Using cutting-edge data and AI technologies, Anadol transforms these emotional journeys into mesmerizing works of art, capturing the essence of discovery and the profound impact of new experiences.

*Inner Portrait redefines storytelling and human connection by delving deep into the emotions and experiences that travel evokes.

Stories that paint Inner Portraits

Embark on an extraordinary journey with four unique individuals as they step out of their comfort zones and into the unknown. Each participant, hailing from different corners of the world, ventures into a place starkly different from their own. These journeys, captured and transformed by Refik Anadol's innovative use of data and AI, reveal the profound emotional and sensory experiences that travel evokes. Inner Portrait shows us how these new environments broaden their perspectives, challenge their preconceptions, and enrich their inner worlds.

Amazon rainforest to Tokyo's neon lights

Tuikuru, an indigenous man from the Yawanawa tribe in the Amazon, steps into the vibrant, fast-paced world of Tokyo. The shift from his serene, nature-filled home to the technologically advanced urban jungle is a journey of sensory overload and wonder. His brain activity is captured and transformed into an art piece that juxtaposes his tranquil past with his electrifying present.

Discvover Tokyo

Sydney's urban life to Türkiye's ancient mysteries

Australian Sahar ventures from the modern cityscape of Sydney to the ancient ruins of Göbeklitepe and the fairy chimneys of Cappadocia. Her experiences of these historical sites, filled with awe and reverence, are documented through her brain's responses. These responses are then crafted into an intricate artwork, reflecting the profound impact of her journey.

Discover Şanlıurfa

Iceland's glaciers to Jordan's deserts

Icelandic Biossi exchanges his cold glacier-filled environment for the warm, expansive deserts of Jordan. His exploration of Petra, with its historical significance and stunning beauty, pushes him out of his comfort zone, confronting him with new challenges and perspectives. This journey of self-discovery and adaptation is vividly captured as his brain data is transformed into art, highlighting the emotional contrasts and growth experienced during this transformative adventure.

Discover Amman

Kenya's landscapes to Istanbul's cultural riches

Esther, who works on a tea plantation in Kenya, embarks on a journey to Istanbul, where she experiences the perfect blend of modernity and ancient culture. Her encounters with the city's vibrant markets and historic sites offer a stark contrast to her life back home. In Istanbul's Grand Bazaar, she marvels at the world of teas and spices, a scene that beautifully mirrors her own work with tea leaves back in Kenya. Refik Anadol captures her neurological responses to these new experiences, transforming them into a visual narrative that weaves together her Kenyan roots with the intricate and diverse beauty of Istanbul.

Discvover Istanbul

Science for art

Using state-of-the-art neurotechnology, Refik Anadol and his team capture participants' brainwaves and biological data as they embark on their journeys. This data collection includes detailed measurements using EEG (electroencephalography) devices to monitor brainwave activity in real time, capturing emotional and sensory responses. In addition, heart rate monitors are used to track fluctuations in participants' heart rates, providing insights into their physiological reactions to new environments. These comprehensive data sets, which include baseline data, emotional gradients, and physiological responses such as increased heart rates, are meticulously processed through advanced AI algorithms. These algorithms analyze the intricate details and transform the data into dynamic, immersive art pieces. The project seamlessly merges art and science, demonstrating how technology can enhance our understanding of human experiences at a deeper level.

The artist

Refik Anadol is a pioneering digital artist known for his groundbreaking work at the intersection of art and technology. His projects often involve the use of artificial intelligence and data visualization to create immersive and interactive art experiences. With a background in visual arts and design, he transforms complex data sets into stunning visual narratives. Anadol's work has been showcased in prestigious exhibitions, including Art Basel, highlighting his role as a leader in digital and data-driven art.

In the Inner Portrait project, Anadol captures participants' neurological and physiological responses during their travels. By converting this data into digital canvases, he creates artworks that reflect the inner emotional landscapes of his subjects, blending technology with human experience in a profound artistic expression.

Discover the world, transform your inner self

The Inner Portrait project, a monumental initiative by Turkish Airlines in collaboration with Refik Anadol, showcases the transformative power of travel and human connection. This groundbreaking project has been featured at the prestigious Art Basel and as a session topic at the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity, pushing the boundaries of storytelling and data-driven art.

Immerse yourself in the 30-minute documentary and the stunning digital artworks, and embark on your own journey of discovery. Explore the featured destinations and experience the transformative power of travel.