Omnipresent

The omnipresence of the president’s face in the streets of Istanbul.

Wherever you turn your head on the street, a face greets you: that of the President of Turkey. These images have now become an integral part of daily life in Istanbul. Upon exiting the metro, we are welcomed by his portrait; the billboards along the highways are filled with them, and even in the city center, he has had his own exhibition set up.

The handles we grip in the trains to keep our balance also bear his image. The residents have become so accustomed to his presence that they are almost indifferent, even weary of it. However, this omnipresence, even when ignored, transforms the structure of the city and creates an atmosphere of constant surveillance, reminiscent of the ever-present “Big Brother” image.

This video, presented as a billboard, testifies to how the president’s face is ingrained in the daily lives of citizens and captures the subtle discomfort that arises from it. It highlights the indirect yet powerful impact of this presence on urban life and the collective psyche of the residents.