Contemporary Istanbul, the region’s leading arts fair returns in 2016 for its 11th edition, taking place in November. The event promises to showcase and highlight exciting work from within the region, alongside prominent international works which contribute to the show’s premise of discover: both finding new artists to enjoy and to rediscover the works of previous exhibitors.
In spite of recent events taking hold of Turkey, CI returns on the back of its previous critical acclaim to bring into focus the vibrant cultural centre of Istanbul. Ali Güreli, the fair’s Chairman comments: “Historically, culture has lent Istanbul its unique edge and now more so than ever, we must not forget the role art plays as a force for dialogue, mutual understanding and reconciliation. The scene here is full of energy, with over 40 commercial galleries as well as established private collections, an infrastructure of institutions and the Biennale. The best art markets are those where there is a strong regional context; we are fortunate that Istanbul is a very attractive regional hub.”
For the past decade, the fair has gathered contemporary artwork from Eastern European countries including The Balkans, Black Sea countries, Middle Eastern Countries, Former Russian Federation countries and Northeast Africa. It has since become renowned for bringing artistic excellence tied with diversity as an international event that is growing in popularity and distinguishing itself with a distinct character fuelled by the ethos of maintaining a global identity: “while being regional we address global art.”
In 2016, CI includes a special project Collectors’ Stories, an exhibition of 120 artworks, personally selected by 60 Turkish collectors from their private collections. The exhibition is curated by the fair’s Artistic Advisor and Director of the Eli and Edythe Broad Art Museum at Michigan State University, Marc-Olivier Wahler and coordinated by Program Director Dr. Marcus Graf.
Returning to the fair are the familiar sections: Galleries, presenting galleries founded before 2010; Emerging Galleries, with galleries founded in the past six years; Solo Shows, a curated section of single artist or artist group presentations; and the fair’s programme of talks CI Dialogues.
Contemporary Istanbul, 11th edition, 3 – 6 November. Find out more: www.contemporaryistanbul.com
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Credits:
1. K & Y Gallery, Reinhard Gorner, Wibligen, Argentic Paper mounted on aluminium/diasec 152 x 190cm (2015). Courtesy of Contemporary Istanbul.
