Michael Elmgreen and Ingar Dragset Curate 15th Istanbul Biennial 'A Good Neighbour' Amid Political Turmoil
In April 2016, Michael Elmgreen and Ingar Dragset were named the curators for the 15th Istanbul Biennial, later unveiling the theme 'A Good Neighbour' in December. Scheduled from 16 September to 12 November 2017, the exhibition will take place across six locations and showcase 55 artists, nearly half of whom will present new works. This edition celebrates the biennial's 30th anniversary alongside Turkey's 30 years since its initial bid to join the European Economic Community. The curators encountered political turmoil, including a coup attempt in July 2016. Their vision highlights varied personal narratives and features a dance piece by Tuğçe Tuna and installations by Monica Bonvicini, along with a billboard initiative by Lukas Wassmann to emphasize global connections.
Key facts
- Michael Elmgreen and Ingar Dragset curated the 15th Istanbul Biennial titled 'A Good Neighbour'.
- The biennial runs from 16 September to 12 November 2017 in Istanbul.
- It features 55 artists across six venues, with about half being new commissions.
- The curators worked during political turmoil in Turkey, including a 2016 coup attempt.
- A billboard project by Lukas Wassmann displayed questions globally before the exhibition.
- Performances include Tuğçe Tuna's dance in a hammam with installations by Monica Bonvicini.
- Candeger Fürtun's 1990s sculpture of ceramic mannequin legs is featured.
- The curators emphasized multiple personal stories from diverse backgrounds over a single narrative.
Entities
Artists
- Michael Elmgreen
- Ingar Dragset
- Tuğçe Tuna
- Monica Bonvicini
- Candeger Fürtun
- Lukas Wassmann
Institutions
- Istanbul Biennial
- Venice Biennale
- Danish Pavilion
- Nordic Pavilion
- ArtReview Asia
Locations
- Istanbul
- Turkey
- Berlin
- Germany
- South Africa
- Asia
- South America
- Europe