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Istanbul Modern's 10th Collection Exhibition 'Beneath the Same Blue' Features Over 240 Works

exhibition · 2026-09-17

The 10th collection exhibition at Istanbul Modern, named Beneath the Same Blue, showcases more than 240 pieces created by 120 artists from Türkiye and around the globe. Housed within the Renzo Piano Building Workshop-designed areas of the museum, the exhibition covers an artistic span of over eight decades, featuring 50 works that are being displayed for the first time. Curated by Artistic Director Çelenk Bafra alongside Curator Deniz Pehlivaner, this exhibition provides a fresh viewpoint on the collection, highlighting changing methods in collecting and exhibition practices. The title underscores blue as a common thread, encouraging cultural and temporal dialogue, reinforcing Istanbul Modern's status as a key cultural institution dedicated to innovative displays.

Key facts

  • Istanbul Modern presents its 10th collection exhibition, Beneath the Same Blue.
  • The exhibition features more than 240 works by over 120 artists from Türkiye and around the world.
  • It is installed across the galleries, foyers, library, and open spaces of the museum's Renzo Piano Building Workshop–designed building.
  • The exhibition spans more than eight decades of artistic production.
  • It includes 50 works on view for the first time.
  • Curated by Çelenk Bafra, Artistic Director, and Deniz Pehlivaner, Curator.
  • The title derives from a color that connects different geographies, histories, and experiences.
  • Blue is considered not only as a visual element but also as a conceptual theme.

Entities

Artists

  • Çelenk Bafra
  • Deniz Pehlivaner
  • Renzo Piano

Institutions

Locations

  • Istanbul
  • Türkiye

Sources