This conversation with Resul Ay, a seasoned poster design artist from Turkey, delves into his creative world, artistic philosophy, and the challenges of working in a politically and culturally complex environment. With over two decades of experience, Resul shares insights into his distinctive visual language and the impact of societal constraints on his work.
1. To get started, could you tell us a bit about yourself—who you are, what you do, and what drives you as a poster design artist in Turkey?
I am Resul, from Turkey. I live in Kütahya City as I work at Dumlupınar University located here. I have been in this field for more than 20 years. My journey began in high school, where I first studied graphic design.
At that time, I realized I had a somewhat absurd mindset and focused on creative aspects of graphic design. Initially, I worked on children’s book typography, playing with letters from a child’s perspective. Over time, I grasped the nuances of conceptual expression, training myself to translate intangible concepts into tangible visuals. I became skilled at materializing abstract ideas, and with practice, the poster design process evolved naturally for me.
2. How would you describe your artistic style to someone unfamiliar with your work?
My work focuses on discovering visual metaphors that connect ordinary objects with deeper social and psychological themes. I adopt a minimalist yet powerful aesthetic, reminiscent of pictograms, creating a sense of ambiguity through bold and impactful symbols. My designs are not only artistic but also carry a social narrative, critically addressing contemporary issues such as exclusion and dehumanization.
3. What’s your creative environment like? Do you listen to music while designing?
I prefer silence while working. I reward myself with something enjoyable after completing a design or any significant task. My workspace is simple: a clean desk. While it may get cluttered at times, I need everything I touch to feel clean.
4. How does the tension between Turkey’s rich artistic traditions and modern design trends shape your work?
I don’t have any connection to traditional Turkish art.
5. What’s an uncomfortable truth about Turkey’s poster design scene that no one talks about?
Artistic freedoms can sometimes face various restrictions. However, as long as direct political criticism is avoided, designers still have room to work on social issues. I focus on topics that I believe need greater awareness.
6. Can poster art in Turkey disrupt political narratives, or does it merely echo them?
Art in Turkey—posters included—does not have the power to disrupt political narratives. The system ensures that creative expression remains ineffective as a tool for change.
7. In a culturally complex country like Turkey, how do you determine when a poster crosses the line from bold to offensive?
In Turkey, the space for artistic expression can be shaped by certain limitations. Particularly when critical perspectives are adopted, various restrictions may emerge. While cultural production processes are sometimes subject to oversight, artists continue to find creative ways to express themselves.
8. If you could collaborate with a historical Turkish artist on a poster project, who would it be?
I’d choose Levnî, the Ottoman miniature artist. I’d reimagine his work with augmented reality (AR), bringing his figures to life and having them recite contemporary protest slogans.
9. How do you see the impact of digital screens on the future of physical posters in Turkey?
I don’t have a strong opinion on this topic.
10. If you were to design a poster that captures the sound of Turkey—not its sights—what would it look like, and what sounds would drive it?
Voices of peace.
11. What is the most controversial idea you have ever expressed through a poster, and how did the audience react?
One of my designs critiqued Israeli ideology. The piece incorporated symbolic elements reflecting themes of power and oppression. The reactions were mixed; some found it bold, while others considered it controversial.
12. If one of your posters could speak, what would it reveal about you that your portfolio doesn’t already?
It would reflect my ambition, hope, and determination. I believe those qualities define me, and a poster with a voice would likely echo them.
