ASPEN Art Community was launched with the aim of strengthening the interaction between art and architecture and creating an inspiring platform for collaboration with our architect partners. The first gathering of this initiative took place during the 20th edition of Contemporary Istanbul, one of Turkey’s most significant contemporary art events.
The participants had the opportunity to explore contemporary approaches to art and observe how creativity is reflected in architecture. The visit began with a private tour guided by contemporary art curator Prof. Marcus Graf. The exhibited works highlighted the tangible relationship between form, material, and space revealing the deep interaction between art and architecture.
At ASPEN, we believe that design is not only functional but also carries cultural and emotional dimensions. Every encounter with art adds new layers of meaning to the process of creating spaces. The visit to Contemporary Istanbul marked one of the key steps in this approach. The event concluded with an intimate cocktail reception, where participants exchanged ideas and connected in a creative atmosphere.
Following Contemporary Istanbul, ASPEN Art Community came together for its second gathering along the Beyoğlu Route of the 18th Istanbul Biennial, organized by İKSV. As part of the visit, participants explored significant landmarks of the city’s collective memory, including Elhamra Han, the Former French Orphanage, Meclis-i Mebusan 35, and the Galata Greek Primary School. The contemporary artworks displayed in these venues revealed the role of art within the urban fabric through their relationship with architecture.
This year’s Biennial theme, “The Three Legged Cat,” addresses the concepts of uncertainty, balance, and resilience through art. Within this framework, ASPEN Art Community participants examined the relationship between public space, the city, and architecture firsthand.
The goal of ASPEN Art Community is to establish a lasting network that brings together the transformative power of art and architectural thinking. In each gathering, we will continue this dialogue by exploring the interaction between art and design from different perspectives.
The upcoming visit to the Karaköy Route will mark the next stop in this ongoing journey. These gatherings, which unite art, architecture, and the city, aim to serve as a foundation for new ideas and creative collaborations in the future.
