The Istanbul Biennial, an esteemed event in the European art world, has been rocked by controversy, resulting in the postponement of the exhibition until 2025. This decision came after a significant furor over the appointment of Iwona Blazwick as the artistic leader, leading to her resignation as the lead curator. The Istanbul Foundation for Culture and Arts, which organizes the biennial, cited divisions in the art world as well as the impossibility of staging the exhibition this year as key factors leading to the postponement.
Critics attribute the controversy to Blazwick being chosen over the recommended Defne Ayas, with the latter allegedly being deemed too risky. It was reported that Blazwick’s association with the Istanbul Biennial’s advisory committee, along with her role as the chair of the Royal Commission for AlUla’s Public Art Expert Panel in Saudi Arabia, had come under scrutiny.
The decision to postpone the 18th Istanbul Biennial to 2025 was made in collaboration with Iwona Blazwick, who has since resigned. The Istanbul Foundation for Culture and Arts announced that a new advisory board will be established, with a new curator set to be selected to lead the exhibition in 2025. This move aims to afford the biennial the necessary time to reassess and reimagine the forthcoming edition. Kevser Güler, the new director of the Istanbul Biennial, will head the formation of the new advisory board, following the recent developments.
The postponement reflects a period of controversy and upheaval for the Istanbul Biennial, prompting a complete overhaul of its forthcoming edition. As the art world eagerly anticipates the reimagined exhibition in 2025, the spotlight remains fixed on the evolving narratives and dynamics within the realm of global art curation.
