Merve Yıldıran (b. 1985, Ankara) studied Radio, Television, and Cinema at Ankara University, where she began investigating visual language and the structural dynamics of cinematic narratives. She expanded these areas of inquiry during her MA in Visual Communication Design at Anadolu University, which informed her interdisciplinary creative practice.

She has worked as a director, screenwriter, and designer in the field of cinema. Her short films have been screened at national and international film festivals, receiving several prestigious awards.

Her first book, Kirpi Kız, illustrated with handmade three-dimensional artwork, was published in 2015. It was her first exploration of multi-sensory storytelling, combining visual and tactile elements through photography.

Her work is informed not only by philosophical and literary interests, but also by a vibrant and joyful approach to life. In her artistic practice, joy is not a superficial aesthetic; it is the very essence and animating spirit of existence, woven into every piece.

In her engagement with puppetry, its playful anima is combined with the line and form of sculpture, suggesting the potential for a dynamic and affective encounter. This encounter extends beyond visual impression, opening a space for ongoing perceptual and emotional resonance. Within this space, the boundary between object and presence becomes fluid, gently exploring the possibility of touching an inner depth within the viewer.

Her interdisciplinary journey shapes her practice not merely as a pursuit of form, but as an ongoing dialogue between diverse cultural and intellectual disciplines. Alongside her work in cinema and literature, she continues to research and produce across a range of mediums, including playwriting, costume and stage design, character design, puppet techniques, handcrafted illustration, and doll art.

For more references, please visit: merveyildiran.net