The celebrated portrait photographer Pari Dukovic is revisiting his origins in a multifaceted manner with his newest exhibition currently on display in his birthplace, Istanbul. "From Istanbul to New York: A Photographer's Journey"* showcases a significant portion of his life's work, tracing his path from the Turkish city to the Big Apple, the metropolis that profoundly influenced his artistic development.
The exhibition is being held at the historic baroque Sismanoglio Megaro building, which functions as the Greek consulate in the bustling heart of Istanbul's Istiklal Avenue. Presented in chronological order, the showcase commences with breathtaking views of Istanbul. For Dukovic, who began his career at the tender age of eight with a camera gifted by his father, Istanbul holds profound sentimental significance as the place where his photographic journey began.
Opposite the Istanbul images, visitors are presented with snapshots of New York, a tribute to the city where he honed his craft. The focal point of the exhibition features some of Dukovic’s most masterful portraits, with subjects ranging from Barack Obama and David Lynch to Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I and Lionel Messi, all showcased in the historic venue.
At the opening, Dukovic elucidated that his fervor for photography, as a medium for "exploring and expressing the world," propelled him from Istanbul to the United States, where he had the privilege of meeting and photographing some of the most influential figures of our era. "Each photograph in this exhibition encapsulates my journey, my passion, and my aspiration to document the world around me," he stated.
Dukovic also divulged the challenges he encountered during his portrait sessions, noting that he had only 2.5 minutes to capture 47 shots of Obama during a 2017 session at the White House. "Magazines engage me because I can produce portraits in a remarkably short timeframe," he added.
Dukovic’s portraits are renowned for their distinctive style. His dynamic compositions and adept use of colors render his work instantly recognizable. Greek Consul General Konstantinos Koutras lauded Dukovic’s artistic career as a testament to his life experiences, starting in Istanbul and continuing in the U.S., where he has photographed iconic figures across politics, sports, music, and cinema, leaving an indelible mark on history.
Over the past decade, Dukovic's editorial photography has graced the pages of leading U.S. and European magazines. He served as a staff photographer for The New Yorker from 2012 to 2018, contributing to pivotal profiles. His portfolio includes all six covers of Time's special Time 100 issue and winning the 2018 Clio Gold Campaign of the Year for Pose. His photographs are part of The Smithsonian's collection, and he shot the covers for Barack Obama's memoir A Promised Land and NASCAR legend Jimmie Johnson’s book. For Rizzoli's New York City Ballet: Choreography & Couture, he captured 129 costumes on 11 dancers.
The exhibition will remain open until October 23.
