9th Istanbul Biennial: Eclectic Selection Without a Clear Curatorial Axis

The 9th Istanbul Biennial, overseen by curators Charles Esche and Vasif Kortun, took place from September 16 to October 30, 2005. It presented the works of approximately sixty artists, with a quarter hailing from Turkey, but notably, there were no participants from France. Entitled 'Istanbul,' the exhibition utilized various venues such as warehouses, hangars, and palaces. Among the diverse artists featured were Lukas Duwenhögger, Ola Pehrson, Wael Shawky, Johanna Billing, and Pilvi Takala; however, the curatorial direction was seen as lacking. Critic Paul Ardenne remarked on the challenges of cohesion and pointed out the inadequacy of some non-Western pieces. Pavel Büchler's installation of sirens reciting Kafka emerged as a highlight. Simultaneously, 'Centre de gravité' at Istanbul Modern, curated by Rosa Martínez, included artists like Pilar Albarracín and Louise Bourgeois, emphasizing sensory experience over intellectual engagement.