ISTANBUL’74 opens doors to its new cultural space in Arnavutköy, marking a new chapter in its 15-year journey.
Compiling exhibitions and special cultural projects in Istanbul, New York and a gamut of places worldwide, ISTANBUL’74 has had the pleasure of crafting inspiring and memorable experiences through dialogue and exchange between artistic fields, and along the road, we have had the privilege of collaborating with some of the most exceptional talents from across the world.
Now under one roof, in a renovated five-story traditional wooden building of Arnavutköy, we have created an open house for the ’74 Community that has been built over the years. Beyond ’74’s main exhibition program and special projects, this new home is a place filled with excitement for a future of endless possibilities.
A neighborhood deeply ingrained with the charm of the city, Arnavutköy reveals the traces of centuries of civilizations and culture. Present since antiquity, this picturesque seaside village has boasted a multi-ethnic and multi-cultural population since the 4th century. Against the backdrop of the Bosphorus, the neighborhood sets the perfect scene for ’74’s mission to forge cultural and artistic relations from Istanbul to beyond.
THE OPENING PROGRAM
The new space offers an immersive journey, with each floor telling a unique story. Visitors will engage in a series of experiences:
Freeman & Lowe, Boo-Hooray, Alphan Eşeli
Reading Room & Listening Room
Featuring a Part of the Random Forest Exhibition
Reads & Records
Presented by ISTANBUL’74, Random Forest: A Reading Room, curated by Freeman & Lowe in collaboration with Boo-Hooray, offers a collection on long-term loan. Inspired by William S. Burroughs’ The Electronic Revolution, the exhibition explores the power of language, storytelling, and disruption. The adjacent Listening Room features a rotating selection from Alphan Eşeli’s vinyl collection, enriching the experience with new sounds each month.
Jonas Bresnan
A Day in Arnavutköy, 2024
Photography Series
Presented by ISTANBUL’74, A Day in Arnavutköy by Jonas Bresnan captures the spirit of the neighborhood through his lens. This photography series encapsulates Arnavutköy’s vibrant daily life, offering a portrait of its unique charm, its people, and the Bosphorus flowing through the heart of Istanbul. The series invites viewers to see Arnavutköy in a new light.
Mehmet Ali Uysal
Hanger, 2024
Site-Specific Installation
Presented by ISTANBUL’74, Hanger, an evolving site-specific installation by Mehmet Ali Uysal in collaboration with PiArtworks, expands a personal journey into a reflection on form and presence. Initially exhibited in single and trio formats, this work now reimagines itself into six forms, embodying the artist’s introspective exploration.
Ekin Bernay
Heart, 2024
Participatory Performance
Presented by ISTANBUL’74, Ekin Bernay’s intimate Heart performance returns, in collaboration with Performistanbul, for the first time since 2022. Through a powerful yet simple ritual, participants are invited to “leave their hearts” by casting their fists in plaster. This performance bridges kalp (the physical heart) and gönül (the soul-heart), uniting participants in shared vulnerability and humanity.
Ralph Sason & Barış Erdemli
Gastro-Sonic Experience, 2024
Sensory Journey
Presented by ISTANBUL’74, the Gastro-Sonic Experience, created by Ralph Sason and Barış Erdemli, explores the synergy between sound and taste. Inspired by Arnavutköy’s rich culinary heritage, each dish is paired with custom soundscapes that reveal hidden layers of flavor. Drawing on audio-gustatory science, this experience offers a sensory journey where original compositions, ambient sounds, and recordings from Arnavutköy and the Bosphorus blend seamlessly. Carefully crafted frequencies align with each taste, creating a multi-layered experience that deepens the connection between flavor and sound.
Location:
ISTANBUL’74 Arnavutköy
Featuring:
Mehmet Ali Uysal
Ekin Bernay
Jonas Bresnan
Barış Erdemli
Ralph Sason
With special thanks to:
Rose Chalalai Singh
Carlo Bernardini
Lucca
Anim
Social:
#74LandsInArnavutkoy
Contact:
info@istanbul74.com
