Istanbul Biennial 2019: Contemporary Art as a Catalyst for Dialogue and Reflection in a Dynamic World

Istanbul Biennial 2019: Contemporary Art as a Catalyst for Dialogue and Reflection in a Dynamic World

Istanbul, a city straddling two continents and steeped in history, has long been a crucible of cultural exchange. Its vibrant energy resonates not only through its ancient mosques and bustling bazaars but also through its burgeoning contemporary art scene. One event that exemplifies this dynamic fusion is the Istanbul Biennial, a renowned international platform for showcasing cutting-edge artistic expressions. Held every two years since 1987, the Biennial transforms Istanbul into a living gallery, inviting artists from across the globe to engage with pressing social, political, and environmental issues.

The 16th edition of the Istanbul Biennial, held in 2019, was particularly noteworthy for its theme: “The Seventh Continent.” Curated by the renowned artist and curator Nicolas Bourriaud, this ambitious exhibition explored the pervasive impact of plastic pollution on our planet. Recognizing that art can be a powerful tool for raising awareness and sparking critical dialogue, Bourriaud brought together a diverse group of artists whose works addressed the complex relationship between humanity and the environment.

The Biennial’s title itself served as a stark reminder of the scale of the plastic crisis. The “Seventh Continent” refers to the vast accumulation of plastic debris floating in the Pacific Ocean – a chilling testament to our collective consumption and disregard for the natural world.

  • Artworks Addressing the Plastic Crisis:
Artist Artwork Title Medium
Ai Weiwei (China) “Law of the Journey” Installation of inflatable boats and life vests
Bouchra Khalili (Morocco) “The Speeches” Video installation exploring migration and displacement
Kader Attia (France/Algeria) “The Repairers” Sculptural works using recycled materials

Ai Weiwei’s poignant installation, “Law of the Journey,” comprised a multitude of inflatable boats and life vests, symbolizing the perilous journeys undertaken by refugees fleeing war and persecution. The artwork served as a powerful commentary on the global displacement crisis, often exacerbated by environmental degradation.

Bouchra Khalili’s video installation, “The Speeches,” offered a poignant exploration of migration and displacement. Through fragmented narratives and evocative imagery, Khalili highlighted the human cost of environmental change and political instability.

Kader Attia’s sculptural works, collectively titled “The Repairers,” employed recycled materials to create striking and thought-provoking pieces. These sculptures served as a reminder that even in the face of destruction, there is always the possibility for renewal and transformation.

Beyond individual artworks, the 16th Istanbul Biennial fostered a sense of collective engagement and critical reflection. Through workshops, panel discussions, and public programs, artists, curators, scholars, and activists engaged in dialogues about the urgent need for sustainable practices and environmental stewardship.

The impact of the 2019 Istanbul Biennial extended far beyond the walls of the exhibition venues. By addressing a topic as pressing as plastic pollution through a diverse range of artistic voices, the Biennial successfully elevated awareness of this global crisis.

It sparked conversations, inspired action, and challenged viewers to rethink their relationship with the environment. The Biennial’s legacy continues to resonate, serving as a testament to the transformative power of art in addressing complex social and environmental issues.

From Istanbul to the World: Examining Işıl Özgentürk’s Contributions to the 16th Istanbul Biennial

While the “Seventh Continent” theme encompassed a broad range of artistic responses, one artist whose work particularly resonated was Turkish sculptor Işıl Özgentürk. Özgentürk’s practice explores the intersection of art and ecology, drawing inspiration from natural forms and processes.

For the 16th Istanbul Biennial, Özgentürk created a site-specific installation titled “Plastic Seascape,” a haunting and visually arresting work that transformed a former industrial space into an underwater world choked with plastic debris.

Utilizing found objects – discarded plastic bottles, fishing nets, and packaging materials – Özgentürk meticulously crafted a surreal landscape that mirrored the reality of our polluted oceans. The installation was not simply a collection of recycled materials; it was a carefully orchestrated tableau that evoked both beauty and despair. The shimmering hues of plastic bottles contrasted with the tangled mass of fishing nets, creating a visual tension that underscored the destructive impact of human consumption on marine ecosystems.

  • Key Features of “Plastic Seascape”:

    • Scale: The installation occupied an expansive industrial space, immersing viewers in a world dominated by plastic debris.
    • Materials: Özgentürk used exclusively found objects – discarded plastic bottles, fishing nets, and packaging materials.
    • Aesthetic: While referencing the beauty of underwater ecosystems, the work also evoked a sense of desolation and decay.

Özgentürk’s “Plastic Seascape” invited viewers to confront the consequences of their actions. It served as a powerful reminder that even seemingly innocuous items, like plastic bottles, can have devastating long-term impacts on the environment.

By showcasing Özgentürk’s work alongside other artists addressing similar themes, the 16th Istanbul Biennial underscored the collective responsibility we share in addressing the global plastic crisis. The event demonstrated the power of art to provoke critical reflection, inspire action, and ultimately contribute to a more sustainable future.