The exhibition, which showcases the 52-year journey of Taviloğlu’s collection across seven cultural venues in Istanbul, has been extended. “A Collector’s Story” will continue in its existing locations, including Gallery Eyüpsultan, Istanbul Art (Golden Horn Shipyard), İş Sanat Kibele Art Gallery, Mecidiyeköy Historical Liquor Factory, and Museum Gazhane. Previously exhibited works at ArtIstanbul Feshane will be displayed at The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Istanbul B Block from January 7, while those from the MSGSÜ Istanbul Museum of Painting and Sculpture will be moved to their new location at Yapı Kredi bomontiada F Block starting January 10.
Curated by Derya Yücel and Marcus Graf, the exhibition has attracted 120,000 visitors since its opening in September. The Taviloğlu Collection, featuring 2,438 works by 903 artists, is fully accessible to the public through this exhibition.
“I See Myself in Every Work”
Mustafa Taviloğlu’s vast collection, which he has built with a deep connection to and careful selection of each piece, is now shared with society. His collection, characterized by its diversity in artists, eras, styles, techniques, and mediums, contains 2,412 works by 903 artists.
During a press conference held at ArtIstanbul Feshane before the exhibition’s opening, Mustafa Taviloğlu expressed:
“My greatest desire was to see this collection displayed in its entirety. This exhibition is like a tower of cards; if even one card is missing, it collapses. The Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality provided us with three venues, the Liquor Factory was made available with a single phone call, İş Sanat sponsored the Kibele Art Gallery, MSGSÜ opened its halls in the Istanbul Museum of Painting and Sculpture for this exhibition, and yet we still needed more space. With the support of Eyüpsultan Municipality, Gallery Eyüpsultan was added to the list of venues. I extend my gratitude to Istanbul Metropolitan Mayor Mr. Ekrem İmamoğlu, İBB Culture, İBB Heritage, Eyüpsultan Municipality, İş Sanat, Contemporary Istanbul Foundation, and all teams involved in bringing this exhibition to life.”
The Curators and Project Team
Coordinated with Taviloğlu Collection manager Neslihan Muratbeyolu Aktürk and project design and management by Ekmel Ertan, the curatorial arrangements were handled by Derya Yücel and Marcus Graf. Architects Murat Tabanlıoğlu and Emre Arolat designed the venue concept and arrangement. Visual design was crafted by Nazlı Ongan (Salon), digital applications by Daniele Savasta, and video content and documentaries by Sıla Ünlü (Kimbuvideo).
Milestones of the Taviloğlu Collection
1972–1982
“In 1972, the first painting I purchased was by Necdet Kalay. For me, collecting is a journey, and each piece of art is a stop along the way. When I first started buying paintings, I had no idea I was beginning a collection that would become such a significant part of my life. I simply loved the art, admired the artists, and, with the enthusiasm of an amateur, chose works by artists I knew and had built friendships with. At no point did the idea of ‘value appreciation’ even cross my mind. Even today, a quarter of a century later, I remain motivated purely by my love and excitement for art, and this brings me great happiness.”
1983–1992
“My collection doesn’t revolve around a single theme. In fact, I liken it to minestrone soup. When I visited Italy with limited funds, minestrone was what I could afford to eat—it was filling and delicious, made from the best vegetables. My collection is much the same—diverse and encompassing everything. I see myself in every piece. I’ve never been able to name a single artist as a favorite; even the simplest sketch on a piece of paper holds as much importance to me as the most materially valuable work. My collection includes many paintings in significant quantities, which reflect my love and appreciation. However, opportunities played a role in shaping it. On the other hand, there are also many artists whose works I couldn’t acquire or reach, despite my interest.”
1993–2002
“In 1993, I decided to hold my first collection exhibition. But just two days before the event, I had a surprising realization and backed out. I was scared—I couldn’t do it. I became intimidated by the works in my possession. I thought, ‘How can I manage this?’ Awareness was also lower back then. My long-time friends Bülent Erkmen and Ferit Edgü had helped me prepare for the exhibition, and we had even secured a beautiful venue—a historic mansion behind Barbaros Boulevard. Canceling it was a huge shock for them. Fortunately, in 1997, they published the book Taviloğlu Collection: Turkish Painting. That’s when I realized I had created the first private collection catalog in Turkey. It received widespread acclaim.”
2002–2012
“I began acquiring works that initially intimidated me, exploring pieces I never imagined I’d have an interest in. For instance, I never paid much attention to photography, but now I admire and collect beautiful photographs. The same goes for videos and 3D artworks. This year, I acquired two new works, one of which is three-dimensional. Over the past 20 years, I’ve focused exclusively on young artists, following and supporting them. Art fairs and initiatives that spotlight young talents have been incredibly helpful in this regard. I look for works that resonate with my eye and intuition, emphasizing a global perspective rather than sticking to a single style or medium.”
2013–2024
“There is only one world—not two, just one. I view my work and my collection through this lens. Whether it’s a painting from here, the Far East, or America, it all belongs to the singular world of art. I never acquire a piece unless it excites me. By excitement, I don’t mean nostalgia or forced appreciation. That’s why I look extensively and carefully. I strive to choose the different—not for the sake of being different but based on my own criteria. My unrelenting curiosity and eye have shaped this collection, and I’m deeply satisfied with every piece I’ve acquired.”
Exhibition Venues and Themes
The Taviloğlu Collection is on display at the Istanbul Museum of Painting and Sculpture with an exhibition titled “Half-Century Journey,” offering a chronological overview. Additionally, the collection is showcased under four themes at various venues:
Familiar Faces: This theme features figurative works centered on human life and experiences, spanning from the 19th century to the present (The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Istanbul B Block and İş Sanat Kibele Art Gallery).
Cities We Live In: Works focusing on public spaces, urban life, and architecture, ranging from the 19th century to the present (Historical Liquor Factory).
Landscapes We See: Nature-focused landscapes and scenery from the 19th century to the present (Golden Horn Shipyard).
Colors We Witness: Abstract artworks showcasing the vibrant world of color, spanning from the 20th century to the present (Museum Gazhane).
The “A Collector’s Story” exhibition is made possible with the main sponsorship of İş Sanat, along with contributions from Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality, İBB Culture Department, İBB Heritage, Eyüpsultan Municipality, Altınmarka, Bilgili Holding, and Doğuş Group, in collaboration with the Contemporary Istanbul Foundation (CIF).
