Refik Anadol explores travel’s impact on human mind for Turkish Airlines project

Turkish Airlines‘ groundbreaking digital art project “Inner Portrait”, created by internationally renowned artist Refik Anadol, is being showcased at Istanbul’s Ataturk Cultural Center (AKM) until Dec. 1.

This innovative project combines neuroscience, technology and art to examine how travel affects human biology and emotions.

It debuted earlier this year at Art Basel in Basel, Switzerland.

Scientific technology and neuroscience drive ‘Inner Portrait’ project

The project focuses on four individuals from different continents who had never traveled beyond their home countries.

• The participants included Tuikuru from Brazil, who traveled to Tokyo
• Esther from Kenya, who explored Istanbul
• Sahar from Australia, who visited Gobeklitepe and Cappadocia
• Sigurbjorn from Iceland, who journeyed to Jordan

During their trips, advanced devices like electroencephalography (EEG) sensors and Empatica Watch recorded brain activity, heart rates and skin conductivity. These data points captured their emotional and physical responses.

Refik Anadol and his team transformed this biological data into a digital installation that vividly represents the participants’ inner experiences. The accompanying documentary, directed by BAFTA winner Jennifer Peedom, captures the journeys and provides scientific context for the project.

This project allowed us to see how travel, even for individuals from vastly different cultures, connects us through shared human experiences. Using AI and neuroscience, we created a visual and emotional narrative based on the participants’ reactions.

Refik Anadol said about the significance of this process

Refik Anadol emphasizes transformative nature of travel in ‘Inner Portrait’

At the event, Anadol described “Inner Portrait” as a project that marries science, technology, and creativity to explore human emotion.

Bringing this work to Istanbul, the city where I was born and raised, is profoundly meaningful. It illustrates how travel impacts our biology and emotions in similar ways, regardless of cultural or geographic background.

Refik Anadol said about bringing the installation to Türkiye

He also acknowledged the challenges involved in the process, including selecting participants, recording their responses, and converting the data into a visual art form.

“This project proves how connected we are as humans, and I hope audiences can share in the excitement we experienced while creating it,” he said.

Turkish Airlines leads efforts to connect cultures through art and technology

Professor Ahmet Bolat, chairman of Turkish Airlines’ Board of Directors, highlighted the airline’s commitment to art and culture. “Travel is not just a physical journey. It transforms the human spirit,” he said.

Bolat emphasized the airline’s dedication to connecting cultures, adding, “As Türkiye’s flag carrier, we take pride in carrying the values of our country to the world and using art to build bridges between cultures.”

The project has also made a significant impact on social media, where posts about the project received over 4.6 million likes, the highest engagement in Turkish Airlines’ history.

The installation has already captured the attention of art enthusiasts. It offers a chance to witness how art and science come together to depict human experiences in a fresh and innovative way.

Visitors in Istanbul can view “Inner Portrait” until Dec. 1 at AKM before it begins touring internationally. The accompanying documentary will be available on digital platforms in 2025.