News » Biennale from the perspective of a critic

YASEMIN BAY – Milliyet Art – Artists and critics talked about the pieces that they had been impressed by in the 11th International Istanbul Biennale, lasting until 8 November.  Here are the appreciated ones…

The 11th International Istanbul Biennale continues to host 141 projects of 70 artists and artist groups from 40 different countries in Antrepo No 3, Tobacco Warehouse and Feriköy Greek School.  The Biennale, continuing until 8 November, is highly praised and found a big impact in press: Le Monde “This Biennale is mercilessly alive and in this way, it is intensively eccentric”; Il Sole “Each piece is thoroughly evaluated, each selection is done with detailed analysis, it is an extraordinary Biennale”; Die Zeit “This Biennale is in synch with contemporary and city dynamics”; The Guardian “Since the fall of Berlin Wall, the most politicized biennale ever realized” were the sentences they used in their reports on Istanbul Biennale.  The New York Times reported that Istanbul Biennale was one of the most ‘political’ artistic meeting internationally.

Now let’s have a look at the impact of Istanbul Biennale on the art scene of Türkiye.  Which works do artists and critics especially enjoy?  They tell us about the works that they ‘were intrigued’ by…

Which of the works impressed you?
Ayşegül Sönmez – The Head of International Art Critics Foundation (AICA) of Türkiye: “I liked the piece ‘Centaur’, displayed at Antrepo No.3, by Tamas St. Auby.  The video piece seriously answers the question ‘What Keeps Mankind Alive?’”

Haldun Dostoğlu – The founder of Gallery Nev: “The pieces ‘İbretnüma’ by Canan Şenol and ‘Unknown Sports’ by Nilbar Güreş left an impact on me among Biennale works, because these pieces resist time and do not seek for temporary aesthetics.”

Nuran Terzioğlu – The founder of Gallery Apel: “I enjoyed the work by Aydan Murtzaoğlu & Bülent Şangar in Antrepo No.3.  The piece fully represents both of the artists and also suits the concept of the Biennale.  I was impressed by Vyacheslav Akhunov’s works as well.”

Ahu Antmen – Art Critic: “It is very important to have Yüksel Arslan’s works from his ‘Capital’ series.  ‘Soul and Feelings of the Worker’ by KP Brehmer, ‘Two Monuments’ by Arthur Zmijewski, ‘İbretnüma’ by Canan Şenol and Sanja Ivekoviç’s works have impressed me with both the subject they have chosen to work with and the creativity in handling the subject…”

Halil Altındere – Artist – Curator: “I found Canan Şenol’s ‘İbretnüma’ and Vyacheslav Akhuno’s ‘1m2’ quite successful.  Şenol’s work was successful with its content, application of its material and with its quite different artistic assembly.  The importance of Akhunov’s work lies in the date of its production.”

Ali Akay – Art Critic – Curator: “I was intrigued by Deimantas Narkevicius and Bureau d’Etudes as good examples of today’s reflexive art in the Biennale.”