The celebrated director and photographer Nuri Bilge Ceylan, winner of the Palme d’Or, invites audiences to explore his latest exhibition, On the Road, at Dirimart Dolapdere. Featuring portraits captured across diverse regions such as Algeria, China, India, Egypt, Russia, Turkmenistan, and Turkey, the exhibition marks the debut of these images.
Although these photographs were taken in vastly different countries, within varying ethnic and cultural contexts, the subjects appear as if they belong to the same global community. This shared essence evokes a profound emotional resonance, revealing a common thread that unites humanity.
As Ceylan noted in a past interview, his intent in these portraits is not to document the subjects’ real worlds but to transform them into protagonists of his own narrative—a fictional universe that he accesses only through emotions. Each portrait thus serves not as a window into the individual’s world but as a medium that unveils universal human conditions—much like the characters in his films. In this sense, what the viewer sees in these photographs might ultimately be a reflection of Ceylan’s own inner world.
Accompanying the exhibition is a video of the same title, which offers a glimpse into the creative process behind the work. By juxtaposing behind-the-scenes moments with the final artworks in a deliberate sequence, the video opens a space for the audience to perceive a parallel between creation and outcome—one that invites interpretation and introspection.
On the Road invites viewers to embark on a personal journey across diverse geographies while bearing witness to the universal story of humanity. The exhibition will be on display at Dirimart Dolapdere from January 22 to February 23.
