[CLSTR]
< Back to situations

Monitor this situation.

[SITUATION] · [QUIET] · [CULTURE]

5 clusters · 20 sources · 10 days · First seen · Last updated

Contemporary Istanbul 2026 concludes at Tersane Istanbul

Overview

The 21st edition of Contemporary Istanbul took place from September 23 to 27, 2026, at Tersane Istanbul. The event featured 70 galleries from 16 countries and utilized two main halls to facilitate dialogue between the Turkish contemporary art scene and international galleries.

A major pillar of the fair was the ‘Focus: Asia’ program, which highlighted contemporary art from China, Japan, South Korea, Vietnam, and Thailand. Founder Ali Güreli noted that the initiative aims to introduce the Turkish art world to Asian art ecosystems to foster long-term collaborations, observing that exchanges between Chinese and Turkish galleries have already commenced. Curator Pearl Lam presented works from artists representing three generations from China, Japan, Nigeria, and the UK to revitalize traditional expressions through contemporary art.

To support emerging practices, a new section titled ‘New Grounds’ was introduced, placing galleries from cities such as New York, Prague, Ankara, New Delhi, Tehran, and Istanbul side by side. The fair’s Sculpture Park featured 12 monumental open-air works, including a white bronze sculpture titled ‘The Bunnyman’ by Johnny Depp and an installation by Jaume Plensa. Additionally, the work ‘Istanbul Kara Surları’ by Oddviz was added to the Istanbul Governorship collection.

Technological integration remained a central theme through the ART TV Partnership with Samsung Electronics Türkiye. Notable sculptural works included Alice Aycock’s ‘Spinning Top’, an aluminum structure exploring mathematical order and chaotic energy, and Tony Cragg’s ‘Ivy’, a wooden sculpture mimicking organic biological movement. Organizers announced that the 22nd edition, scheduled for 2027, will introduce a ‘Focus: Germany’ program.

Entities

Contemporary Istanbul · Tersane Istanbul · Samsung Electronics Türkiye · Esra Özdoğan · Hasan Bülent Kahraman

Timeline

  1. [CULTURE] 3 sources
    Contemporary Istanbul concludes 21st edition with Focus Asia initiative

    The 21st Contemporary Istanbul art fair concluded at Tersane Istanbul, featuring 70 galleries, the ‘Focus: Asia’ initiative, and a sculpture park including works by Johnny Depp.

  2. [CULTURE] 4 sources
    Contemporary Istanbul fair highlights Asian art

    The 21st Contemporary Istanbul art fair focused on Asian contemporary art, aiming to foster cultural exchange between Turkey and Asian art markets through exhibitions and gallery collaborations.

  3. [CULTURE] 3 sources
    Contemporary Istanbul expands with 70 galleries and Samsung partnership

    The 21st Contemporary Istanbul art fair at Tersane Istanbul features 70 galleries and a technology partnership with Samsung Electronics Türkiye to showcase digital art and advanced screen technologies.

  4. [CULTURE] 10 sources
    Contemporary Istanbul opens 21st edition at Tersane Istanbul

    The 21st edition of Contemporary Istanbul has opened at Tersane Istanbul, featuring 70 galleries from 16 countries and digital art installations by Balkan Karışman and Vakki.

  5. [CULTURE] 2 sources
    Akbank Sanat presents ‘Garip Şeyler Oluyor’ at Contemporary Istanbul

    Akbank Sanat presents the ‘Garip Şeyler Oluyor’ exhibition at Contemporary Istanbul, featuring artists Esra Özdoğan, Gülin Hayat Topdemir, and Nazif Topçuoğlu.

Sources

aksam.com.tr · avrupagazete.co.uk · canvasonline.com · donanimhaber.com · fadmagazine.com · gastronomiturkey.com · gazetedamga.com.tr · haberport.com · kitaptansanattan.com · odatv4.com · olaylar.net · sigortacigazetesi.com.tr · sondakika.com · teknoblog.com · tr.euronews.com · turkishjournal.com · usaartnews.com · yenisafak.com · yeniyolgazetesi.com · yorumla.net

This summary has been updated 4 times: see revision history