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mathsf:Cosmopolitan Istanbul celebrates two decades with a worldwide exhibit

Twenty-year-old Contemporary Istanbul hosts an assortment of international galleries, intriguing projects, and Focus America, transforming Tersane Istanbul into a vibrant cultural nexus for this year's event.

Istanbul's modern art fair, Contemporary Istanbul, celebrates its 20th anniversary by presenting a...
Istanbul's modern art fair, Contemporary Istanbul, celebrates its 20th anniversary by presenting a worldwide exhibition.

mathsf:Cosmopolitan Istanbul celebrates two decades with a worldwide exhibit

The international contemporary art fair, Contemporary Istanbul, is set to celebrate its 20th edition from September 24 to 28. The fair, which has become more than just a showcase, emphasizes its role as a cultural platform, a space for dialogue, and a dynamic art ecosystem.

Taking place at Tersane Istanbul, a cultural complex on the shores of the Golden Horn, the fair will feature four large-scale site-specific installations, designed to connect the city's historic landscape with contemporary creativity. One of these installations is 'Passage & Maritime,' a site-specific light installation by Peruvian-American artist Grimanesa Amoros.

In addition to the installations, the fair will host over 10,000 artists and collaborate with more than 1,600 galleries from 16 countries. This year, Contemporary Istanbul will bring together 931 artworks by 579 artists, offering a diverse and engaging experience for visitors.

One of the highlights of this year's Contemporary Istanbul is the world premiere of Jannis Kounellis' oil paintings, presented by Akbank Sanat. Curated by Hasan Bulent Kahraman, this exhibition promises to be a significant addition to the fair.

The BMW Art Car Collection will also make an appearance at Tersane Istanbul, with two iconic cars on display. This marks the 50th anniversary of the collection and its first time together in Turkey.

CIF Dialogues 2025, a series of discussions focusing on the next 20 years of contemporary art, institutions, artists, and production methods, will take place at The Pavilion in Tersane Hall B. The Contemporary Istanbul Foundation (CIF) is hosting this event as part of Contemporary Istanbul.

The Focus America program at Contemporary Istanbul will shine a spotlight on the contemporary art scene in the United States. Participating galleries include Amanita, Revolver Galeria, Pontone / Friedrichs Pontone, Leila Heller Gallery, and Heft Gallery.

Beril Alakoc, Akbank's Brand and Communications President, underlined the fair's long-standing role as a major meeting point for contemporary art. Over the years, the fair has welcomed over 1.2 million visitors and has been a platform for numerous artists to showcase their work.

For its anniversary year, Contemporary Istanbul is enhancing both its content and accessibility with the launch of a mobile app to guide visitors. This app will provide information on transport options, including public transit, sea connections, and shuttle services during the fair.

Contemporary Istanbul continues to be a vibrant and dynamic art ecosystem, and this year's event promises to be no exception. With its diverse lineup of artists, installations, and discussions, it is a must-visit for art enthusiasts.

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