The 19th edition of Contemporary Istanbul, Türkiye’s premier art fair, kicked off on October 22, uniting galleries, artists, and collectors from across the globe. The event, organized by the Contemporary Istanbul Foundation, runs from October 24-27 at Tersane Istanbul and is expected to draw significant international attention.
During a recent meeting, Ali Güreli, Chairman of the Board of Contemporary Istanbul, discussed the evolving art market and the challenges it faces. Despite a decline in the sales value of individual artworks, Güreli pointed to the growth of the market overall, fueled by the rise of online art sales. “Online platforms are opening up art to a wider audience, and the progress of women artists in the market continues to increase,” Güreli noted. He expressed optimism for the future, predicting steady growth in these areas as the market continues to evolve.
Güreli also outlined ambitious goals for the future, particularly for 2025. His vision includes transforming Istanbul into a major center for contemporary art production, with art spaces and festivals becoming integral parts of the city’s cultural landscape. “We want to reposition Istanbul as a hub of contemporary art and ensure art finds its way into public spaces. It’s essential that, alongside contemporary art, all creative fields—literature, cinema, theater, music, and dance—be elevated as symbols of our country’s soft power,” he stated.
As part of this broader mission, the Contemporary Istanbul Foundation will present awards in five categories within the contemporary art field, recognizing outstanding contributions and achievements.
This year’s fair features 53 contemporary art galleries from 14 countries, alongside initiatives and institutions that highlight the global nature of contemporary art. The guest country program for 2024 focuses on Spain and Latin America, with notable galleries such as Andrea Rehder Gallery (São Paulo), Galería Jose de la Mano (Madrid), and W—Galería (Buenos Aires) participating.
A key highlight of the event is the special exhibition Born in the Seventies, curated by Juan Manuel Bonet, showcasing 18 artworks from Spanish galleries. The fair also continues its tradition of outdoor sculpture displays with The Yard exhibition, curated by Marc Olivier Wahler, director of the Museum of Art and History in Geneva. Featuring 19 artworks by emerging and established artists, The Yard takes advantage of the picturesque Golden Horn waterfront and Rixos Hall A terrace to create an immersive outdoor gallery experience.
Participating artists in The Yard include renowned names like Anselm Reyle, Bilal Hakan Karakaya, Étienne Krähenbühl, Ugo Rondinone, and Ebru Döşekçi. The exhibition not only highlights the diversity and innovation of contemporary sculpture but also offers visitors a visually striking journey through modern art.
With its combination of global reach, creative ambition, and future-focused vision, Contemporary Istanbul 2024 continues to reinforce its role as a leading force in the international art scene, while positioning Istanbul as a key player in the global contemporary art movement.
