What To Expect From This Year’s Contemporary Istanbul Art Fair

Launching in-person and virtually in December, the fair celebrates its 15th anniversary by announcing a line-up of artists and galleries from Africa, Asia, America, Europe and Istanbul

Marking the art fair’s 15th anniversary, Contemporary Istanbul has announced the headliners for their upcoming virtual edition. Participating artists and galleries have been selected from Africa, Asia, America, Europe and Istanbul. The goal of this year’s event is to strengthen the connective force of art by showcasing local and international creative talent.

Exhibited works touch on social issues, cultural heritage and traditional artistic methods, mathematical and intergalactic ideologies. Contemporary Istanbul offers a platform to support the global arts, at such a crucial time. 

Spearheading the headliners is Ghanian-born artist Kojo Marfo, presented by JD Malat gallery. Painting is Marfo’s chosen medium and the artist sources inspiration from traditional Akan artifacts deeply rooted in his culture to highlight social issues, religion, politics and spiritualism. His work spotlights the Black image by creating brightly coloured abstract figures that emphasise the hidden beauty and richness of African culture. 

The piece selected by JD Malat Galery that will be exhibited at Contemporary Istanbul is ‘Noble Passage’, 2020, acrylic on canvas, 158x150cm

“I am thrilled to be able to bring the diverse JD Malat Gallery programme to Contemporary Istanbul 2020,” says Jean-David Malat, Founder of JD Malat Gallery. “Alongside the work of rising star Kojo Marfo, we will be bringing works from leading Turkish artists Zümrütoğlu and Hande Sekerciler together, as well as the work of the dynamic abstract painters Katrin Fridriks and Santiago Parra.”

British multimedia artist, Anthony James, will exhibit under the Opera Gallery in London. James’ works draw connections between technology, mathematics and art. His works are inspired by the geometric shape of an icosahedron by the philosopher Plato, used to exemplify unity and perfect symmetry in three dimensions. The artist replicates the internal struggle between understanding thousand-year-old beliefs and modern interpretations using metals and technological light.

Unique piece 34” Icosahedron (Black Nickel), 2020, steel, specialised glass, LED, black nickel finish, 86,4 x 86,4 x 86,4 cm – 34 x 34 x 34 in.

Presented by Istanbul gallery Sanatorium, local artist Yagiz Özgen will display a series of pictures based on the Horsehead Nebula located in the Orion constellation, captured by the Hubble space telescope. Özgen’s recent works utilise data from NASA astronomy archives.  His works deal with the intricate relationships between celestial bodies, language and events on different levels.

Featured artworks: Horsehead Nebula (1089 Colors) #1 2020, 198×165 cm, Acrylic on canvas

Lastly, South Korean sculptor Kwang Young Chun will exhibit his sculptures made from multitudes of miniature shapes wrapped in mulberry paper. Chun was inspired by childhood visits to a doctor who practiced traditional Chinese medicine.

The purpose is to transform the canvas and the mulberry paper pieces into a window that reflects the history of human life. Chun utilises traditional Korean techniques wherein individual shapes are dyed with naturally extracted colours like yellow tea and black tea. His sculptures represent the harmony and conflict in a group.

The piece Selected by Sevil Dolmaci gallery for Contemporary Istanbul 2020 is Aggregation 15-Fe009 (Star 2) / 2015, Karışık teknik, Kore yapımı “Hanji” kağıdı, Çap 200cm.

To encourage artists and galleries to participate despite hurdles caused by the pandemic; Contemporary Istanbul has partnered with Turkish Airlines to offer interested artists free freight shipping for their work. For those unable to attend the event in person, the new virtual platform will launch in December and allow art admirers to enjoy the cultural fair and access online exclusives, from anywhere in the world.

Contemporary Istanbul 2020 will be open to all from the 16th – 20th December at the Istanbul Convention and Exhibition Center. For more information about the art fair, visit the website. Tickets will be available to purchase here from the 25th of November 2020

Lead image: Kojo Marfo, Bird of Wisdom