UPDATE: The Eighteenth Istanbul Biennial has ended abruptly, closing its doors two years ahead of schedule due to the unexpected departure of its curator, Christine Tohmé. Originally slated to run until 2026 as a three-part exhibition titled “Three Legged Cat,” the event now concludes following its first chapter, which opened on September 20 and was set to close on November 23.
This sudden cancellation comes as a shock to the art community, especially after the Biennial attracted an impressive 600,000 visitors during its initial phase. The Istanbul Foundation for Culture and Arts (IKSV), which oversees the Biennial, announced that the remaining exhibitions will not take place, attributing the decision to Tohmé stepping down “due to personal circumstances.”
Tohmé, known as the founding director of the Beirut contemporary arts nonprofit Ashkal Alwan, was appointed to this prestigious role following a controversial selection process that saw revised regulations implemented for curatorial appointments. The new rules allow the advisory board to recommend three candidates, from which IKSV must choose one. Tohmé’s initial vision sought to deeply engage the local art scene and foster collaborations around pressing collective issues.
Despite the abrupt end to this year’s Biennial, the IKSV has confirmed plans to announce a new curator for the Nineteenth Istanbul Biennial, scheduled for 2027, in the coming year. The art world is now left in anticipation of how these changes will shape the future of this significant cultural event.
As the dust settles on this significant development, the implications for the local and international art community remain to be seen. The early closure signifies a shift in the landscape of the Istanbul Biennial, raising questions about future programming and curatorial direction. Stay tuned for updates on this evolving story.
