CI Bloom's Second Edition Spotlights Emerging Turkish Artists
CI Bloom, the spring spinoff of Contemporary Istanbul (CI), concluded its second edition, focusing on local emerging and independent artists. Founded by Ali Güreli, the fair aims to strengthen Turkey's art scene by providing visibility to artists outside Istanbul. The curated section featured 25 galleries including Dirimart, Zilberman Gallery, Anna Laudel, and Pi Artworks, but newer galleries like Antalya-based Denart stood out with ceramics by Ertugrul Gungor and Faruk Ertekın. Denart, the only contemporary art venue in Antalya, participated to reach collectors. Art initiatives Darağaç Kolektif, Sub, and Ka from Izmir, Çanakkale, and Ankara were invited free of charge. Independent artists like Gül Ilgaz and Esin Aykanat Avcı also showcased works. Despite its merits, questions remain about its necessity given CI's existing Turkish participation and the paradox of bringing regional artists to Istanbul.
Key facts
- CI Bloom concluded its second edition in Istanbul.
- The fair focuses on local emerging and independent artists.
- Ali Güreli is chairperson and founder of Contemporary Istanbul.
- 25 galleries participated in the curated section.
- Denart from Antalya presented ceramics by Ertugrul Gungor and Faruk Ertekın.
- Art initiatives Darağaç Kolektif, Sub, and Ka participated free of charge.
- Independent artist Gül Ilgaz exhibited with Galeri Miz.
- Esin Aykanat Avcı's work at Taksim Sanat explored plant vascular systems for organ transplant research.
Entities
Artists
- Ali Güreli
- Ertugrul Gungor
- Faruk Ertekın
- Nusret Gökçe
- Gülden Bostancı
- Nergis Abıyeva
- Gül Ilgaz
- Esin Aykanat Avcı
Institutions
- Contemporary Istanbul (CI)
- CI Bloom
- Dirimart
- Zilberman Gallery
- Anna Laudel
- Pi Artworks
- Denart
- Galeri Miz
- Taksim Sanat
- Kültür AŞ
- Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality
- Darağaç Kolektif
- Sub
- Ka
Locations
- Istanbul
- Turkey
- Antalya
- Kütahya
- Izmir
- Çanakkale
- Ankara
- Bosphorus