Born in Melbourne, Australia, Nuri Ayyildiz is a globetrotter at heart, with work and life stretching across the vibrant landscapes of Zurich, Switzerland, Aqaba, Jordan, Istanbul, Turkey, and back to Melbourne. Nuri is currently pursuing a Master's degree in Photography at RMIT University, where academic and creative pursuits converge at the fascinating intersection of linguistics and visual storytelling.
Nuri's work is deeply rooted in the exploration of ethics, photojournalism, identity, language, and the various branches of linguistics including sociolinguistics, neurolinguistics, and linguistic anthropology. Through the lens, Nuri seeks to unravel the intricate ways in which language and identity not only define individual and collective selves but also shape perceptions and interactions within the world.
Photography, to Nuri, is more than a medium of expression; it's a tool for investigation and understanding. It allows for a delve into the nuanced ways accents influence perception, how being bilingual or multilingual molds experiences, and the profound impact of linguistic diversity on societal constructs. Nuri's research and creative practice are an ongoing quest to illuminate the symbiotic relationship between linguistics and photography, aiming to capture the essence of how we communicate, perceive, and exist.
Nuri's journey across different cultures and languages has enriched their perspective, allowing them to view the world through a multifaceted lens of empathy, curiosity, and inclusivity. This diverse background informs Nuri's approach to photography, pushing to highlight the stories that often go unnoticed, yet hold the power to change our understanding of the world.
Through their work, Nuri invites viewers to embark on a visual and linguistic odyssey that challenges preconceived notions of identity and communication. Nuri strives to create a dialogue that transcends cultural and linguistic barriers, fostering a deeper connection among us all.
As Nuri continues to navigate through the complex tapestry of human expression and interaction, the goal remains steadfast: to capture the beauty and diversity of our shared human experience, one photograph at a time.
Nuri is also an independent researcher, and happy to collaborate in any research publications that fits within his expertise.
CV
Education
MA Photography, RMIT University (2024-2025)
MA Speech Pathology, La Trobe University (2024-2025)
MA Applied Linguistics, University of New England (2024)
MA TESOL, Griffith University (2024)
MA Translating and Interpreting, RMIT University (2022)
BA Arts (Photography) (Honours), RMIT University (2023
BA Photography (Photojournalism), PSC (2021)
Personal Development
2024: The Edit: Finding Focus - A Career in Photojournalism by Melbourne Press Club @ RMIT Unit
2021: Storytelling For Impact: Developing Community-Focused Projects
2021: The Art of Photo Books: Where Form and Content Meet
2021: How to be a Working Photographer: A Workshop with Emin Özmen & Cloé Kerhoas
2021: Photographic Foundations: Develop a Photo Story in Challenging Economic Environments
2021: Professional Practice Series: Personal Projects with Sabiha Çimen
2021: Professional Practice Series: Book-Making with Rafal Milach
2020: Professional Practice Series: Editorial Photography with Lorenzo Melon
2020: The Documentary Impulse: A Photography Workshop with Stuart Franklin
2020: Lygon Street Documentary Photography Workshop by Michael Coyne
2020: Constructing Identity in Photography NGV
Exhibitions
12/2023: RMIT School of Art Graduates Exhibition (Group Exhibition), RMIT City Campus
08/2022: Solo Exhibition: 3173 In Me @ Bunjul Place (Melbourne, Australia)
06/2022: Group Exhibition: Capturing Culture @ Immigration Museum (Melbourne, Australia)
01/2022: Group Exhibition: 2021 ILFORD CCP Salon @ CCP (Melbourne, Australia)
12/2021: Group Exhibition: ZENITH @ Yarra Sculpture Gallery (Melbourne, Australia)
11/2021: Group Exhibition: First Light @ Centre for Contemporary Photography (Melbourne, Australia)
08/2021: Group Exhibition: SPC Photo Awards (Basel, Switzerland)
04/2021: Group Exhibition: SPC Photo Awards (Zurich, Switzerland)