Pari Dukovic’s photography exhibition debuts in Istanbul

The renowned portrait photographer Pari Dukovic is returning to his roots in more ways than one with his latest exhibition which is now on in his hometown of Istanbul.

“From Istanbul to New York: A Photographer’s Journey”* highlights much of his life’s work that’s taken him from the Turkish city to the Big Apple, the place that shaped his artistic growth.

The historic baroque Sismanoglio Megaro building, that serves as the Greek consulate in the heart of Istanbul’s Istklal Avenue, is hosting the showcase.

The exhibition, presented in chronological order, opens with stunning views of Istanbul. For Dukovic, who began his career at the age of eight with a camera gifted by his father, Istanbul holds immense sentimental value as the place where his journey started. 

Opposite the Istanbul images, visitors are greeted by snapshots of New York, paying homage to the city where he refined his craft.

The centerpiece of the exhibition features some of Dukovic’s masterful portraits, with subjects ranging from Barack Obama and David Lynch to Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I and Lionel Messi, all displayed in the heart of the historic venue.

At the opening, Dukovic explained that his passion for photography, as a means of “exploring and expressing the world,” led him from Istanbul to the U.S., where he had the opportunity to meet and photograph some of the most influential figures of our time. “Every photo in this exhibition reflects my journey, my passion, and my desire to document the world around me,” he said.

Dukovic also shared the challenges he faced in his portrait sessions, mentioning that he only had 2.5 minutes to take 47 shots of Obama during a 2017 session at the White House. 

“Magazines hire me because I can create portraits in a very short amount of time,” he added.

Dukovic’s portraits are instantly recognizable for their signature style. His dynamic compositions and expert use of colors make his work unmistakable.

Greek Consul General Konstantinos Koutras praised Dukovic’s artistic career as a reflection of his life experiences, beginning in Istanbul and continuing in the U.S., where he has photographed iconic figures from politics, sports, music, and cinema, leaving a lasting impression in history.

Over the past decade, Dukovic’s editorial photography has appeared in top U.S. and European magazines. He served as staff photographer for The New Yorker from 2012 to 2018, contributing to key profiles. His work 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 in 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 is open until October 23.