Contemporary Istanbul, Turkey’s premier contemporary art fair, returns for its 19th edition from October 24-27, 2024, with a preview on October 23. This year’s fair, in partnership with Akbank, will feature 50 galleries from 14 countries, presenting 809 artworks by 503 artists at the historic Tersane Istanbul. The venue spans Hall A and B, with waterfront open spaces offering stunning views of Istanbul and the Golden Horn.
This year’s guest country program shines a spotlight on Spain and Latin American countries, supported by Turkey-Spain corporate partnerships. Six galleries from Spain and Latin America present a curated selection of works, underscoring the dynamic interplay between tradition and modernity in these regions. The section celebrates the cultural and artistic ties that bind Spain, Latin America, and Turkey.
Curated by Juan Manuel Bonet, this centerpiece exhibition Born in the Seventies brings together works by artists born in the 1970s, celebrating a generation that grew up in a democratic Spain and witnessed a flourishing of cultural institutions like the Reina Sofía and IVAM. Featuring over 21 pieces from 15 Spanish galleries, the show captures the diversity and vibrancy of contemporary Spanish art. It explores a wide range of styles, from figurative to abstract, reflecting both the traditions of Spain and a globalised perspective. Bonet, a celebrated curator, brings a knowledge of Spanish art, and the exhibition is supported by Spain’s Ambassador to Türkiye, Cristina Latorre Sancho.
The Yard, curated by Marc Olivier Wahler, this fourth edition of features 19 works by both emerging and established international artists. Set against the backdrop of the Golden Horn, the exhibition showcases diverse, large-scale sculptures that challenge conventional forms, blending natural elements with experimental approaches to contemporary art. As in past editions, Wahler, a celebrated art historian and curator, draws on his expertise to create a visually striking and thematically cohesive outdoor gallery that enhances the visitor experience.
The CIF Dialogues program, in collaboration with IGA Art and moderated by Sarp Kerem Yavuz, will explore themes like digital art and AI in the contemporary art landscape, bringing together experts from across disciplines. Key speakers include Marc Olivier Wahler, Steven Sachs, and Stefanie de Regel.
Location: Tersane Istanbul
Dates: October 24 – 27, 2024
