Contemporary Istanbul: Art fair as a sign of unity in times of crisis

Contemporary Istanbul: Art fair as a sign of unity in times of crisis

The contemporary Istanbul has set itself a remarkable goal in its 19th edition: In the middle of the continuing crises and challenges with which Turkey is confronted, the art fair would like to demonstrate strength and unity. The event, which takes place on the picturesque Golden Horn, not only attracts local artists, but also shows the commitment to the domestic art scene.

While the sun goes down and nostalgic colors painted the sky over the articles of the artists like Anselm Reyle and Georg Herold, one might think that the international art community awaits an extravagant celebration of creativity. But reality often looks different. According to trade fair founder Ali Güreli, guests are mostly domestic collectors, and the international presence is limited to selected journalists and art connoisseurs.

strengthening the local art scene

The fair has reduced somewhat with 51 participating galleries this year, which is due to the economic situation of the country. This could be seen as an indication that the type of art that is shown is more oriented towards the local tastes. The strikingly colorful and often surreal works of the local galleries seem to be characterized by a different aesthetics than what international visitors are used to. The visit to the Istanbul Modern, the first contemporary art museum in Türkiye, illustrates that these stylistic features reflect deeply rooted traditions in Turkish art.

An important element for the chances of success of an art fair is the interaction between locals and international galleries. Artists and galleries such as those of Hazer Özil, who are already represented on Art Basel, have built up a network that is of great importance for other local exhibitors. These connections make it possible to draw international galleries and their collectors to the Turkish art scene.

solidarity is crucial in this industry. When Özil led the visitors to the status of the Portuguese gallery Pedro Cera on the first day, he not only helped Cera, but also actively promoted the exchange among the galleries, which could contribute to potential shops and new contacts.

The art fair is in the middle of a changing political landscape, with the newly re -elected mayor Istanbul Ekrem İmamoğlu's focus of his agenda. Under his administration, the city's cultural offer was expanded, including new public libraries and the conversion of unused rooms into cultural sites. Istanbul to establish Istanbul as a global art and cultural metropolis is supported by the efforts of Güreli and the Contemporary Istanbul.

The next annual issue of the fair is planned for mid -September and will act as a central event in the autumnal art calendar of Türkiye. This positive view could give the local art scene the necessary boost to better classify the international art market.

Nevertheless, it remains to be seen how these developments will affect the ongoing challenges in Turkey. Some see hope in the cooperation between state institutions and the fair, which could be interpreted as a sign that the initiative can give impulses for the city's entire art and cultural landscape. More information can also be found in a recent article on www.monopol-magazin.de .