Istanbul Art Week

Istanbul Art Week is an annual celebration of contemporary art in the vibrant city of Istanbul. This week-long event brings together art enthusiasts, collectors, and the general public, offering them a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the city's thriving art scene. The event features special exhibitions in galleries, museums, and art spaces, showcasing a wide range of mediums, including painting, sculpture, photography, installation art, and video art. These exhibitions highlight the works of both local and international artists, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of contemporary art.

Istanbul Art Week is not only a showcase of artistic talent but also a platform for engagement and dialogue. Throughout the week, visitors can attend artist talks, panel discussions, and guided tours, providing invaluable insights into the creative processes and conceptual frameworks behind the exhibited works. These interactions foster a deeper connection between artists, curators, and the public, enriching the overall artistic experience.

One of the key aspects of Istanbul Art Week is the focus on digital culture and its impact on contemporary art. The "Timeless Curiosities" exhibition, for instance, explores how contemporary technologies and digital culture shape the thoughts and creative processes of artists. This exhibition, curated by Ümit Mesci and Nilay Dursun, brings together artists who incorporate original elements in their work and maintain experimental perspectives while showcasing innovations in their productions. The exhibition reflects on the impact of digital transformation on our lives, presenting the perspectives of artists who have witnessed this process.

In addition to the "Timeless Curiosities" exhibition, Istanbul Art Week also features CI Photo Focus, a platform for modern photography that brings together photographers, galleries, and magazines to investigate the expanding interest in the creative medium. Led by Simone Klein, CI Photo Focus displays works by 20 international contemporary artists and stages an exhibition presenting works from the Borusan Contemporary’s private photography collection. The selection committee for this year's CI Photo Focus includes Ansen, Coşar Kulaksız, Kumru Eren, Leyla Ünsal, Sarp Kerem Yavuz, and Tony Ventura.

Furthermore, Istanbul Art Week presents The Yard, an outdoor art exhibition curated by Marc-Oliver Wahler, director of Le Musée d’art et d’histoire (MAH) in Geneva and former director of Contemporary Istanbul. The Yard presents sculptures, videos, and art installations conceived by international artists, themed around industrial design and their interaction with the outdoors.

Istanbul Art Week is deeply rooted in the rich local context and actively contributes to the dynamic culture of Istanbul, supporting its creative industries. Through new initiatives and collaborations with Turkish and international partners, Istanbul Art Week aims to shape the future of art in the region.