Istanbul Modern

Istanbul Modern is hosting a solo exhibition by Japanese artist Chiharu Shiota as part of the 100th anniversary celebrations of diplomatic relations between Japan and Turkey. Undoubtedly, the most striking feature of the exhibition is the large-scale installation the artist created specifically for Istanbul Modern. Curated by Öykü Özsoy Sağnak and Yazın Öztürk, the exhibition focuses on themes such as memory, existence, migration, journeys, and the human experience—subjects Shiota frequently explores through various mediums, including performance, video, installation, and painting. Shiota developed the monumental installation, titled Between Worlds, which also lends its name to the exhibition, inspired by Istanbul’s unique position. Representing Japan at the Venice Biennale in 2015, Shiota now offers visitors at Istanbul Modern the chance to delve into personal and collective narratives associated with memory through this captivating work. The exhibition is on view at Istanbul Modern from September 6, 2024 to January 25, 2026.  

Hosted at the Istanbul Modern Photography Gallery, ‘Landscapes of the Mind’ brings together the works of Ali Kazma — an artist known for exploring the meaning behind human activity through his practice. The exhibition features Kazma’s projects from the 2010s onward, focusing on books and literature, alongside a selection of video works and pieces from his extensive photography archive. Among the highlights is ‘Sumi’ (2025), a brand-new work documenting one of the world’s oldest known ink production traditions, on view for the first time. Also featured is ‘Ink House’ (2023), shown in Turkey for the first time, offering a unique glimpse into Nobel Prize-winning author Orhan Pamuk’s home and archive. Visitors will also encounter Kazma’s photographic documentation of printing houses, libraries, and bookstores — and much more. Curated by Öykü Özsoy Sağnak and Demet Yıldız Dinçer, this exhibition is a deep dive into the intersections of memory, material, and meaning. The exhibition is on view at İstanbul Modern from June 13 to February 1.

Istanbul Modern is hosting a solo exhibition titled ‘Beyond the Horizon Line’, offering a deep dive into the artistic journey of Ömer Uluç, who passed away in 2010. Bringing together various modes of expression that defined the artist’s practice, the exhibition features an extensive selection of works spanning from the 1960s to 2010. Showcasing a wide range of disciplines—from drawings and sketches on paper to acrylic on canvas, from collage to sculpture—it also includes pieces created with unconventional materials such as rubber, felt, aluminum, acrylic sheets, PVC, and polyester. Exploring the complex relationship between humanity and the universe, the exhibition presents over 300 works by the artist, born in 1931, who consistently pushed the traditional boundaries of his era. As you explore Uluç’s creative universe, you’re guaranteed an experience that transcends time and space. The exhibition is on view at Istanbul Moden from March 21 to December 12.