Istanbul’s art scene – what the Turkish capital of culture is missing
- Series: Kunst
What does a human being live from? That was the motto of last year’s Istanbul Biennale. The answer to this question is provided this year – accompanied by protests.
The art scene is clearly underrepresented in the year of the cultural capital – and unhappy. It is known that most of the project applications of domestic artist are rejected in favour of touristic projects and restorative measures. Looking at these decisions, the scene is in need of private sponsors once again.
The speedy transformative process of Turkey in the last 20 years is also reflected on an artistic level but this is not happily accepted. Criticism of religions and debate on the role of women continues to face rejection on the officials’ end.
Thereby, the neo-liberalisation of political, social and economic areas is just as obvious such as the effects on society. The artistic confrontation with the mentalities, however, is reserved for international guests such as it is shown in the topics of Istanbul’s Biennale.
Create elementary structures
Official organisations have a hard time supporting artistic projects and promoting cultural exchange. Themes and tendencies are not transported to the cities or into the countryside.
Only the initiators of the artistic centre Kadirga are travelling through the country with their “portable art“ to inspire curiosity on what art is able to do.
Young artists are usually dependent on stays abroad – they want to discuss, cause friction or develop themselves further. It is an urgent necessity to provide structures that create space for the critical and independent development of the scene as well as a broad exchange without financial or political restrictions
The Istanbul Bieannale could very well be the institution that pushes for this elementary groundwork and that engages in a change of the museum landscape. It has the necessary tradition, the knowledge and the contacts to give Istanbul’s art scene the necessary weight. As in: what does a human being live from?
Photos: Istanbul 2010
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