Meet Esra SAKAR | Fine Art Photographer & Visual Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Esra SAKAR and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Esra, how does your business help the community?
For me, art is not only a form of aesthetic expression, but a tool to expand empathy, raise awareness, and bring the invisible into focus. Through my photography projects, particularly those focusing on mental health, I highlight psychological conditions that are often overlooked or misunderstood such as depression, anxiety, and dissociative identity disorder. Each portrait doesn’t just depict a face, but a state of emotion communicated through light, shadow, and gaze rather than words. These works have been exhibited not only in art galleries, but also presented in psychology seminars, workshops, and social awareness events. In this way, my creative practice becomes more than art; it becomes a form of social engagement. My work helps individuals connect with their own emotional realities, recognize unspoken feelings, and realize they are not alone. I also collaborate with mental health professionals, offering my images as supportive visual material within therapeutic settings. In this sense, my practice moves beyond aesthetics and functions as a form of social contribution. I believe that healing, meaning, and emotional solidarity can begin through art. And this is exactly what I strive to create.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I grew up in a home filled with art. While theatre rehearsals took place in one corner of the house, another corner was alive with paints, books, and music. For me, art was never something to observe from a distance; it was something to live, to feel, to breathe. This environment taught me not just to look, but to truly see; not just to hear, but to deeply listen. This early connection with art first led me to theatre, and later to the Photography Department at Marmara University Faculty of Fine Arts.
Over time, photography became more than just a technique for me it became a language. I sought ways to express emotions that words often failed to capture through light, shadow, body, and gaze. Mental health, in particular, has held a profound place in my work. In individuals labelled by society as “mentally ill,” I saw a reality that many choose to ignore. The storms they endure silenced, excluded, and isolated reflect the suppressed, fragile parts we all carry within.
With this in mind, I created a portrait series focused on various psychological states such as depression, anxiety, dissociation, and borderline personality disorder. Each frame carried more than just a face; it held an emotional state, an inner call: “See me. Understand me.” This project was exhibited both nationally and internationally, and I was invited to present it at a seminar that brought together art and psychology. The series also received recognition within therapeutic circles, valued as a visual archive that could contribute to psychological discussions. For me, this affirmed that my art is not only an aesthetic expression, but also a vessel for empathy and awareness.
I perceive art not merely as a form of creation, but as a powerful medium that builds invisible bridges between people and touches hidden corners of the inner world. This evolving relationship between the depths of the human mind and the artistic process continues to add new layers to my practice. Making an emotion visible seeing it resonate in someone else’s heart is both a magical and transformative experience.
Through my work, I aim to make the unseen visible, to follow the traces of the inner world, and to continue creating in a space where understanding can grow. It is my dream to share my work across borders, to let it resonate within different cultures, and to carry my art into a more universal language. Because I believe that without understanding our inner worlds, we cannot transform the outer one. And in this journey, art can be both a mirror and a source of light.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Istanbul is an ancient city that has hosted great civilizations. It carries history in every corner and soul in every street. It’s a place where you can explore deeply and still have fun. If someone were visiting for the first time, I’d definitely take them to the Basilica Cistern. Its mysterious atmosphere is like a doorway into Istanbul’s hidden past. Then we’d explore the grandeur of Dolmabahçe Palace, enjoy the panoramic view from Pierre Loti Hill, and catch the sunset at the Moda seaside. And of course, no trip would be complete without tasting the richness of Turkish cuisine!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I dedicate this shoutout to two extraordinary women: my mother Gülizar and my sister Serpil. Whoever I am today has been shaped by their love, support, and infinite patience.
My mother Gülizar has taught me the essence of unconditional love, compassion, and resilience since the very first day I opened my eyes to the world. Her quiet strength and deep heart have always been a steady force within me.
And Serpil… More than a sister, she is a true source of inspiration. A brilliant illustrator and an exceptional graphic designer, Serpil has always been the one to pull me back into the light and encourage me to pursue my dreams without fear.
Their presence has been one of the most valuable pillars of my artistic journey.

Website: https://www.esrasakar.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_esrasakar_/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/esra-%C5%9Fakar-352247216/

Other: https://www.behance.net/esrasakar

Image Credits
Photography: Esra Sakar