Pilevneli Gallery Opens 1,500-Sqm Space in Istanbul Despite Political Turmoil

Amidst a climate of political repression and gallery closures in Istanbul, a new major gallery is opening. Pilevneli Gallery, founded by Murat Pilevneli, will inaugurate on September 16, 2017, in the Dolapdere district. Designed by Emre Arolat Architecture, the five-story space spans 1,500 square meters. The inaugural exhibition, "Between Day and Dream," features Belgian artist Johan Creten and runs until October 14, 2017. A rooftop installation by Ugo Rondinone, "Everyone Gets Lighter," is on view until November 25, 2017. Murat Pilevneli, born in 1971, previously founded Galerist in 2001 and is the publisher of Istanbul Art News. The opening coincides with the 15th Istanbul Biennial, curated by Elmgreen & Dragset, themed around good neighborly relations. However, the art scene has faced challenges: in 2016, Ahmet Gunestekin's work "Kostantiniyye" was censored and removed; the Çanakkale Biennale was canceled; and Russian ambassador Andrey Karlov was assassinated at an Ankara art opening. Several galleries have closed, including Rampa after seven years and Rodeo, which moved to London.