Istanbul Biennial Director Bige Örer Discusses 13th Edition Amid Political Turmoil

The 13th Istanbul Biennial, titled 'Mom, am I Barbarian?', will take place from September 14 to October 20, 2013, with free admission. Curated by Fulya Erdemci, the exhibition explores the public domain as a political forum, responding to Istanbul's rapid urban transformation since the 1950s and intensified construction following the 2001 economic crisis. Biennial director Bige Örer notes the event has become a central international platform since the millennial turn, with attendance growing from 50,000 in 2005 to 110,000 in 2011. The title references poet Lale Müldür's book, examining language and exclusion. A prologue exhibition, 'Agoraphobia', was held at TANAS in Berlin from May 25 to July 27, addressing freedom of expression. The biennial's public program includes workshops for emerging art critics and faced protest during a performance by Brussels-based duo Vermeir & Heiremans on May 10. Örer emphasizes providing independent space for artists amid Turkey's limited public support and growing private funding. The Gezi Park protests that began May 28 are seen as creating a unique public domain where art plays a role. Istanbul's art scene has expanded with more galleries and private institutions, though critical press and education remain lacking.