Murat Kahya: Contemporary Visual Artist and Fine Art Photographer

Murat Kahya is an Istanbul-based visual artist whose work traverses the boundaries between photography, installation, and multi-sensory experience. Born in 1989 in Ankara, Kahya initially pursued engineering before shifting his focus to the arts, eventually graduating at the top of his class from the Photography Department at Dokuz Eylül University. He is currently advancing his academic and artistic research through a Master’s degree at Mimar Sinan Fine Arts University, focusing on site-specific photographic installations. Murat Kahya’s practice is characterized by a sophisticated blending of photography with video, sound, and found objects. This interdisciplinary approach allows him to construct multidimensional spatial environments that invite viewers to engage with art on a sensory level. His notable series, such as New Americana—for which he received the Young Photographer Award from the Turkish-American Association—and the ongoing Along The River project, demonstrate his keen interest in memory, nature, and the intricate relationships between humans and their environment. Throughout his career, Murat Kahya has gained significant recognition within the contemporary art scene. His works have been showcased in numerous prestigious venues, including Zilberman Gallery, Bilsart Project, Kairos Gallery, and Base Istanbul. He has also participated in international platforms such as the Photoville Festival in New York and residencies like the School of Visual Arts Artist Residency. Kahya’s ability to transform traditional photography into immersive, site-specific experiences positions him as a significant voice in contemporary Turkish art, constantly exploring the spatial and sensory potential of his chosen media.