Istanbul Biennial 2017; A Cultural Crossroads Where East Meets West and Tradition Collides with Modernity

Istanbul Biennial 2017; A Cultural Crossroads Where East Meets West and Tradition Collides with Modernity

The Istanbul Biennial, a prestigious international exhibition of contemporary art, has become a beacon for artists and art enthusiasts worldwide since its inception in 1987. Held every two years in the vibrant metropolis of Istanbul, the biennial showcases cutting-edge works from established and emerging artists, sparking dialogues about critical social, political, and cultural issues.

The 2017 edition, curated by the esteemed Austrian curator, Övül Durmuşoğlu, and titled “A Wound,” delved into the complexities of collective memory, trauma, and healing. Durmuşoğlu’s overarching theme sought to explore how societies grapple with their past wounds, both individual and collective, and navigate the path towards reconciliation and reconstruction.

One prominent figure whose work resonated deeply within the context of “A Wound” was Pınar Öğrenci, a renowned Turkish artist known for her thought-provoking installations and performances that address issues of power, identity, and social transformation.

Öğrenci’s contribution to the Istanbul Biennial 2017 was an immersive installation titled “The Last Supper (Çıtır),” a captivating and unsettling commentary on consumerism, environmental degradation, and the ethical implications of food production. The installation consisted of a vast banquet table laden with meticulously crafted replicas of fast-food items made from industrial waste materials like plastic bottles and discarded electronics.

Visitors were invited to partake in this “unconventional feast,” encouraged to contemplate the stark contrast between the allure of convenience food and the hidden costs associated with its consumption. Öğrenci’s work challenged viewers to confront their own complicity in a system that prioritizes profit over sustainability, prompting them to reconsider their relationship with food and the environment.

The installation sparked lively debate and critical reflection among visitors, reflecting the biennial’s role as a platform for engaging with complex societal issues through the lens of contemporary art.

Understanding Pınar Öğrenci’s Artistic Vision:

Pınar Öğrenci’s artistic practice is characterized by her unwavering commitment to social justice and her ability to weave intricate narratives that expose hidden power dynamics and challenge conventional norms. Her work often draws inspiration from personal experiences, historical events, and socio-political realities, blending elements of sculpture, installation, performance, and video art to create immersive and thought-provoking experiences for viewers.

  • Themes of Transformation: Öğrenci’s art frequently explores themes of transformation, both physical and metaphorical. She utilizes found objects and industrial materials, transforming them into intricate sculptures and installations that symbolize the complexities of change and adaptation.

  • Critical Engagement with Consumerism: In her work, she critiques consumer culture and its impact on individuals and society. She exposes the seductive power of advertising and branding while highlighting the environmental consequences and ethical dilemmas associated with mass consumption.

  • Social Commentary Through Performance: Öğrenci incorporates performance elements into her art to create powerful and often unsettling encounters for viewers. Her performances frequently address issues of gender, identity, and social inequality, provoking reflection and dialogue on critical societal concerns.

Impact of “The Last Supper (Çıtır)” at the Istanbul Biennial 2017:

Öğrenci’s “The Last Supper (Çıtır)” resonated deeply with visitors at the Istanbul Biennial 2017, sparking conversations about consumerism, environmental responsibility, and the ethical dimensions of food production.

The installation’s provocative imagery and stark contrast between the allure of fast food and its hidden costs prompted viewers to confront their own consumption habits and question the systems that perpetuate unsustainable practices.

“The Last Supper (Çıtır)” served as a powerful reminder of the interconnectedness between individual choices, social structures, and environmental well-being, leaving a lasting impression on those who encountered it.

Beyond the immediate impact at the biennial, Öğrenci’s work has contributed to a broader dialogue on the role of art in addressing urgent global challenges. By raising awareness about the consequences of unsustainable consumption patterns and prompting critical reflection on our relationship with food, her installation serves as a call to action for individual responsibility and systemic change.

The Istanbul Biennial 2017, through its exploration of “A Wound,” provided a space for artists like Pınar Öğrenci to delve into complex social issues and offer alternative perspectives on the world around us. Her provocative work, “The Last Supper (Çıtır),” served as a powerful reminder of the interconnectedness between individual choices, societal structures, and environmental well-being, leaving a lasting impact on viewers and contributing to the ongoing conversation about art’s potential for social transformation.