By Janet Ekstract
ISTANBUL- Istanbul is set to become a world-renowned art and culture hub in 2024 and beyond, according to Contemporary Istanbul Chairman of the Board Ali Gureli. Contemporary Istanbul’s collaboration with CI Bloom Contemporary Art Fair this year, showcased some of the most cutting edge and innovative Turkish contemporary art ever seen in Istanbul. As Gureli explained: “I would like to proudly share that this year’s CI Bloom fair has ended successfully.” He said the number of their collectors buying contemporary art as well as introducing it to a younger contingent, was the motivating factor to continue the exhibition annually. Gureli added that in the future, CI Bloom will invite collectors from every region of the globe to see Turkish contemporary art and learn about its significance.
It’s the second year, CI Bloom was organized in cooperation with Contemporary Istanbul who organizes fairs with local Istanbul galleries, artists and its collaborating partners. Gureli said “despite challenges” faced in 2023, CI Bloom proved very exciting with a plethora of collectors, curators and leading foreign press members from abroad. In cooperation with Borusan Contemporary, Gureli said that a new photography department CI Photo was created and will be included in the 18th edition of Contemporary Istanbul at CI Bloom. CI Photo Focus will take precedence in contemporary photography to capture the essence of a changing world, Gureli pointed out. He said it will be an exciting experience for those with a penchant for artistic photography and “new discoveries.”
Gureli emphasized continuing efforts to discover new, young artists and to “highlight the vibrant and innovative world of contemporary art in Turkiye” with the goal toward being an “international meeting point.” He expressed his thanks to all galleries, artists, initiatives, institutions, artist and partners who supported Contemporary Istanbul. In addition, well known Istanbul gallery owners weighed in on CI Bloom and how it impacted their art business. The Founder of Zilberman Gallery, Moiz Zilberman said: “In this edition of CI Bloom, we both met with our old collectors and met two new collectors. We had the opportunity to show the works of iz Oztat and Sena Basoz who are the artists we have just started to represent. The works of most of the artists we exhibited at the fair are included in the collections. We received positive comments from the fair audience and collectors in general.”
One eye-catching exhibition included Italian artist Olivo Barbieri’s extraordinary multiplex photos taken over global metropolises and megalopolises by helicopter for 15 years as part of his project entitled Site Specific. In his talk at CI Bloom, Barbieri explained that an artist’s practice involves metaphysical curiosity and light exploration as an element and main character of time and space. The New BMW iX1 mixes urban life with art and environmental sensitivity, showcasing an installation of a special glass design by Kerem Giris entitled Dream Away. Taking its inspiration from nature, the design matches the dynamic of Istanbul while incorporating the sensibilities of nature within. Paribu’s Art Memory exhibition displayed 47 works from diverse art disciplines where digital marries conventional production.
Participating galleries included: Ambidexter, Istanbul; Anna Laudel, Istanbul, Dusseldorf; Art On Istanbul, Istanbul; Bozlu Art Project, Istanbul; PINE. Gallery, Istanbul; den art, Antalya; Dirimart, Istanbul; Gallery 77, Istanbul; Gallery Bosfor, Istanbul; Gallery/Miz, Istanbul; KAIROS, Istanbul; Krank Art Gallery, Istanbul; Martch Art Project, Istanbul; One Arc Gallery, Istanbul; Öktem Aykut, Istanbul; Pg Art Gallery, Istanbul; Pi Artworks, Istanbul, London; Pyramid Art, Istanbul; Sanatorium, Istanbul; Sevil Dolmaci Art Gallery, Istanbul; Simbart Projects, Istanbul; SODA, Istanbul; Taksim Art, Istanbul, x-ist, Istanbul; Zilberman, Istanbul, Berlin. Organized by Contemporary Istanbul, CI Bloom is held in partnership with BMW, Paribu and LG OLED evo with Borusan Otomotiv acting as the Turkiye distributor as well as the award winning Turkish Airlines. While the project of CI Bloom co-partner Pernod Ricard Turkey took part in the fair, the fair was held with the co-partnership of QUA Granite. To follow Contemporary Istanbul, go to Instagram: @contemporaryistanbul, Twitter: @contemporaryista or Linkedin: @contemporaryistanbul
