Contemporary Istanbul 2024 kicks off at Tersane Istanbul
The 19th edition of Contemporary Istanbul, bringing together galleries, artists, and art enthusiasts from around the world, has opened its doors to art lovers in Istanbul, Türkiye, October 23, 2024. (AA Photo)
Bringing together galleries, artists and art enthusiasts from around the globe, the 19th edition of Contemporary Istanbul has opened its doors at Tersane Istanbul.
Organized by the Contemporary Istanbul Foundation, the art fair began with a preview today and will be open to the public from Oct. 24 to 27.
Global gathering of art
This year’s event hosts 53 contemporary art galleries from 14 countries, alongside four initiatives and four art institutions. Speaking to AA, Ece Ates from Zilberman Gallery expressed satisfaction with the increased interest in this year’s edition, noting, “There is a great turnout, and we are pleased with the engagement.”
Highlighting their diverse representation, Ates added, “We are showcasing works from both local and international artists. This year, there are even more foreign galleries, and since we have branches not only in Türkiye but also in Berlin and Miami, we see ourselves as a bridge in the international art scene.” Ates also observed a rise in foreign visitors compared to last year, reflecting the event’s growing global appeal.
‘Presenting new works from nearly 30 artists’
Levent Ozmen from Dirimart Gallery emphasized the excitement surrounding Contemporary Istanbul, calling it an eagerly anticipated event for collectors and art enthusiasts. “This year, we are showcasing new works from nearly 30 artists. We have curated a wide selection, and so far, the response has been very positive. It has been a pleasure to engage in enriching discussions with art professionals and collectors,” he said.
Ozmen also shared insights into the thematic organization of their exhibit, stating, “With the expanded space, we have been able to categorize different themes. We even have 1-2 interactive art pieces. We look forward to welcoming everyone until Sunday.”
Spotlight on Turkish contemporary art scene
Gulden Bostanci, founder of Gulden Bostanci Gallery, shared her excitement about participating in the fair, noting that it is her second time at Contemporary Istanbul.
“We are the only contemporary art gallery based in Antalya, so being part of this event is very important for us. It’s a fantastic opportunity to connect with collectors and artists from across Türkiye,” she said.
Bostanci also highlighted the gallery’s diverse selection, featuring works from artists based in Antalya, Diyarbakir, and London. “We have received very positive feedback from art lovers,” she added.
Focus on Spain and Latin America
This year’s guest country program emphasizes Spanish-speaking and Latin American countries, featuring a “Spain & Latin America Focus Section.”
Participating galleries include Jorge Lopez Galeria (Valencia), Galeria Jose de la Mano (Madrid), W-Galeria (Buenos Aires), Berlin Galeria (Seville), and Andrea Rehder Gallery (Sao Paulo).
Open-air exhibition ‘The Yard’ returns
The traditional “The Yard” Open-Air Exhibition returns, curated by Marc Olivier Wahler, Director of the Musee d’Art et d’Histoire in Geneva and art advisor for Contemporary Istanbul. The outdoor display continues to be a key feature of the event, adding a dynamic element to the vibrant art fair.
With an exciting range of artworks and a rich lineup of international participants, the 19th edition of Contemporary Istanbul promises to be a celebration of contemporary art from around the world.
