The 20th edition of Contemporary Istanbul has opened its doors, bringing together 931 works by 579 artists from 16 countries.
The art fair, which hosts 51 galleries this year, runs until 28 September. This year it also presents special projects by partners. Akbank Sanat, curated by Hasan Bülent Kahraman, is showing a rare collection of oil paintings by Jannis Kounellis, displayed together for the first time anywhere in the world.
Trendyol Sanat presents a light installation by US-based artist Güvenç Özel, and Turkish Airlines’ Miles&Smiles programme has collaborated with artist Deed Seymond. LEGO commissioned four young women artists to create works using its bricks, with proceeds going to programmes that encourage creativity among disadvantaged girls. In the international section, American artist Judy Chicago’s famous work “What If Women Ruled the World?” is being shown in Türkiye for the first time.
This large textile work invites viewers to reflect on gender equality, and their answers to the questions posed in the work will be used in Chicago’s next piece. The fair also features works by Seçkin Pirim and special works by Erdil Yaşaroğlu. Peruvian-American artist Grimanesa Amorós has created two light installations at The Peninsula hotel, “Passage” and “Maritime”, on view until November.
Rabia Bekiroğlu Göreli, vice chair of Contemporary Istanbul’s board, said the number of galleries will rise to 70 next year, with greater participation from Asia, the focus region for 2026. “Major museum groups from Toronto, New York, Paris, Abu Dhabi and Dubai are here buying works. It’s very exciting that Turkish artists’ works are being collected abroad,” she added. Göreli stressed that contemporary art is no longer reserved for a narrow circle but has become an integral part of daily life, supported by institutions such as the Istanbul Biennial, Istanbul Modern and Pera Museum.
The fair also continues its CI Bloom initiative focusing on young galleries and collections. Master’s and doctoral students can visit for free on 26 September between 17:00 and 20:00. To mark its 20th anniversary, Contemporary Istanbul is offering free ferry services from Karaköy, Kabataş, Beşiktaş and Kadıköy piers to the main venue at Tersane Istanbul.
