Artİstanbul Feshane, Istanbul’s largest public cultural and art space, has unveiled the “The Dynamic Eye: Beyond Op and Kinetic Art” exhibition, showcasing the collection of Tate, one of the world’s most visited museums. The exhibition, presented with contributions from IMM (Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality) Culture and IMM Heritage, was inaugurated on January 21 in the presence of various figures from the art, political, business, and media realms, including Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu, British Consul General in Istanbul Kenan Poleo, Tate Director Dr. Maria Balshaw, and Tate’s Director of International Relations Neil McConnen.
Organized by IMM, this exhibition, featuring 95 works by 57 artists from 21 countries, marks the first and largest international exhibition of its kind implemented by a local government in Turkey. Open until May 19 at Artİstanbul Feshane, the exhibition explores optical and kinetic art from a global perspective, presenting a journey through 20th-century art with artists like Alexander Calder, Frank Stella, Victor Vasarely, Lygia Clark, Liliane Lijn, Julio Le Parc, Jesus Rafael Soto, Kenneth Noland, and Helio Oiticica.
The exhibition curation is overseen by Valentina Ravaglia, Exhibitions and International Art Curator at the renowned Tate Modern in London. The exhibition, having previously been displayed in Porto, Portugal, and Shanghai, China, now captivates art enthusiasts at Artİstanbul Feshane.
Additionally, Artİstanbul Feshane is hosting workshops related to the exhibition, including the “Dynamic Drama Workshop” for adults, conducted by accomplished actors Başak Kıvılcım Ertanoğlu and Ümit Erlim. These workshops, focusing on different aspects of the exhibition, run until March 17, fostering engagement and exploration.
As part of IMM’s celebration of the Republic’s 100th anniversary, the “The Dynamic Eye: Beyond Op and Kinetic Art” exhibition contributes to the ‘Century of Democracy’ events. It is a cultural highlight in Istanbul, enriching the city’s cultural landscape and attracting visitors until May 19, 2024.
Optical and kinetic art movements, originating in the 1950s and 1960s, find expression in the exhibition. These movements, influenced by mathematics, color theory, and the psychology of perception, sought to provide a dynamic and participatory experience for viewers. Artists such as Bridget Riley, Jesus Rafael Soto, and Victor Vasarely embraced the idea that art should be an encounter rather than a static object, treating viewers as active participants in the artistic experience.
Tate, known for its artistically adventurous and culturally inclusive approach, is a key contributor to this exhibition. The Tate Collection spans British art from the 16th century to the present day and international modern art from 1900 to the present day, making it a significant cultural institution. In 2022, Tate Modern became one of the most-visited museums globally, alongside prestigious institutions like the Louvre, the British Museum, and the Vatican Museums.
Artİstanbul Feshane, the city’s new cultural hub, opened its doors in July 2023 after an extensive restoration and repurposing project on the historic Feshane-i Amire by IMM Heritage. Covering 8,000 square meters, it offers multifunctional spaces, including exhibition halls, a library, conference rooms, workshops, dining areas, and open-air venues for film screenings, concerts, and children’s festivals. The cultural center has hosted significant exhibitions like “Starting from the Middle” and the “10th Asia-Europe Mediations Biennial – I am Another You, You are Another Me.” Open from Tuesday to Saturday, Artİstanbul Feshane continues to contribute to Istanbul’s cultural vibrancy with free access for visitors.
