18th Istanbul Biennial Opens with Palestinian Focus and Political Tensions
The 18th Istanbul Biennial commenced in late September, taking place across eight locations in Beyoğlu and curated by Christine Tohmé under the theme 'The Three-Legged Cat.' The opening events at Palazzo Corpi, now known as Soho House, drew in notable figures from the Turkish art scene and fashion enthusiasts. Tohmé's program highlights Israel's military actions in Gaza, showcasing Khalil Rabah's 'Red Navigapparate' (2025) at the French Orphanage, where he installed over 100 trees in red barrels as a commentary on Zionist practices. Spanning three phases until 2027, the biennial emphasizes sustainability and community involvement. Critic Lara Fresko Madra remarked that the emphasis on Palestine overshadowed other genocidal narratives in Turkey, amidst the ongoing political turmoil involving the imprisoned mayor.
Key facts
- The 18th Istanbul Biennial opened in late September 2024
- Curated by Lebanese curator Christine Tohmé under the title 'The Three-Legged Cat'
- Will unfold in three phases until 2027 with a focus on long-term sustainability
- Features eight venues in Istanbul's Beyoğlu district
- Includes Khalil Rabah's 'Red Navigapparate' (2025) with over 100 trees in painted barrels
- Addresses Israel's actions in Gaza and Western complicity
- Postponed in 2023 after Defne Ayas was not appointed curator due to Armenian Genocide projects
- Critic Lara Fresko Madra noted the focus on Palestine obscures other genocidal histories in Turkey
Entities
Artists
- Christine Tohmé
- Khalil Rabah
- Sohail Salem
- Marwan Rechmaoui
- Lara Fresko Madra
- Defne Ayas
Institutions
- Istanbul Biennial
- Istanbul Foundation for Culture and Arts
- e-flux Criticism
- Soho House
Locations
- Istanbul
- Turkey
- Beyoğlu
- Gaza
- Palestine
- Ramallah
- West Bank
- Lebanon