The 19th Edition of Contemporary Istanbul Has Begun

The 19th edition of Contemporary Istanbul has opened its doors to art enthusiasts. Spread across the historic architecture of Tersane Istanbul, the fair plays a pivotal role in promoting Turkey’s art scene internationally.

Kübra Nur Nilüfer – Culture & Art Editor

This year, the fair hosts 50 contemporary art galleries from 14 countries. The contemporary art fair, which features both local and international artists, is held in partnership with Akbank. Galleries from various countries, including the UK, France, Russia, Dubai, Spain, the USA, and Austria, are participating. With 809 artworks from 503 artists on display, this year’s guest country program focuses on Spanish-speaking and Latin American countries.

The highlight of this year’s event is a special exhibition titled Born in the Seventies, curated by Juan Manuel. Supported by the Spanish Ambassador to Turkey, Cristina Latorre Sancho, the exhibition presents over 21 works from 15 leading galleries across Spain. It offers a unique perspective on the intersection of tradition and modernity in Spanish-speaking countries, emphasising the diverse and evolving landscape of contemporary Spanish art.

Akbank Sanat is participating with the exhibition Play Disrupts the Game, curated by Hasan Bülent Kahraman. The exhibition, featuring sculptures by Mehmet Ali Uysal and Genco Gülan, touches on the notion of creativity and art as a form of play.

In its fourth edition, The Yard Outdoor Sculpture Exhibition curated by Marc Olivier Wahler, art advisor to Contemporary Istanbul and director of the MAH Musée d’Art et d’Histoire in Geneva, showcases 19 pieces by a diverse group of emerging and established artists. Set against the backdrop of the Golden Horn, The Yard presents a visually captivating and thought-provoking open-air gallery that highlights the rich diversity and innovative spirit of contemporary art.

Contemporary Istanbul has also launched a five-category awards program aimed at fostering artistic and cultural development. The award categories include the Contribution to Art Award, the Institutional Sustainability in Art Award, the Master Artist Award, the Rising Artist Award, and the Cultural Contribution in the Visual Arts Award. The selection committee consists of Ahu Büyükkuşoğlu Serter, Rabia Bakıcı Güreli, Agah Uğur, Ali Güreli, Haldun Dostoğlu, and Hasan Bülent Kahraman.

The 19th Contemporary Istanbul can be visited at Tersane Istanbul until October 27.