Nil Yalter's Political Art Gains Renewed Relevance Amid Global Migration Debates

Nil Yalter, a Turkish artist living in Paris, has spent over fifty years exploring migration, feminism, and political marginalization through her diverse art forms, including installations and videos. In the past seven years, her work has gained notable attention, appearing in major biennials in Gwangju and Istanbul. One of her key series, Temporary Dwellings (1974–77), which highlights immigrant experiences in cities like Paris, New York, and Istanbul, is now featured in the new extension of Tate Modern. Born in Cairo to Turkish parents, Yalter relocated to Istanbul at age four and then to Paris in 1965, where she connected with notable conceptual artists. Her 1976 work, Orient Express, uses Polaroids and drawings to convey the emotional journey between Istanbul and Paris. In 1975, she helped start the feminist group Femmes en Lutte, and her art was included in the 2007 WACK! exhibition at MOCA Los Angeles. Recently, illegal flyposters displaying immigrant imagery and the message "Exile is a Hard Job" have appeared in cities like Valencia, Metz, and Mumbai. Yalter's upcoming exhibition, The Absent Museum, will be held at Wiels in Brussels from April 20 to August 13. She continues to work from her Paris studio, addressing political issues in both France and Turkey.