18th Istanbul Biennial Navigates Political Reality Through Art

The 18th Istanbul Biennial, curated by Christine Tohmé and named The Three-Legged Cat, is taking place across eight venues along the Beyoğlu-Karaköy axis until November 23. The opening remarks by Tohmé and Ömer M Koç from Koç Holding emphasized the genocide in Gaza, establishing a political context. At Elhamra Han, Palestinian artist Mona Benyamin presents her video Tomorrow, again (2023), which critiques the absurdity of media portrayals of Palestinian life. Sohail Salem's Diaries from Gaza showcases drawings smuggled from the besieged territory. Marwan Rechmaoui's installation Chasing the Sun (2023–25) at Zihni Han features childhood games with a hidden Molotov cocktail. Additionally, Haig Aivazian's animated video at Galeri 77 and Abdullah Al Saadi's rock-encased sandals reference cultural myths. Nearly 50 artists are involved, though access to some venues like Elhamra Han is difficult. This exhibition marks the first phase of a three-year biennial structure, symbolized by Istanbul's stray cats.