Halil Altındere belongs to a generation of artists, who substantially took part in Turkey’s cultural awakening in the 1990s—as an artist, curator and publisher. Migration, identity and gender, but also questions about the influence of Western contemporary art trends within Turkey’s contemporary art scene characterize his work. The monographic publication gives an overview of Halil Altındere œuvre and presents his artistic practice across genres.
Edited by Halil Altındere and Süreyyya Evren, this comprehensive exploration of contemporary art in Turkey from 1975 to 2015 features contributions from prominent artists and curators shaping the nation's art landscape. The book includes insightful texts from notable figures such as Ali Akay, Carolyn Christov-Bakargiev, Fulya Erdemci, and Vasıf Kortun, among others, who provide context and analysis of the evolving art scene. It showcases a diverse array of artists, including Erdağ Aksel, Nevin Aladağ, and Gülçin Aksoy, highlighting their innovative practices and contributions to contemporary art. The collection reflects a rich tapestry of artistic expression, addressing themes relevant to Turkish society and culture. With contributions from both established and emerging talents, the book serves as a vital resource for understanding the complexities and dynamics of Turkey's contemporary art movement over four decades. It captures the voices and visions of artists who have navigated the intersections of tradition and modernity, offering readers a nuanced perspective on the country's artistic evolution. This anthology not only documents a significant period in Turkish art but also invites reflection on the broader implications of contemporary artistic practices in a rapidly changing world.
Katalog zur Ausstellung „Who the f*ck is Halil Altindere?“, die vom 21. Januar bis zum 22. März 2015 im Kunstpalais in Erlangen gezeigt wurde.
Altindere, whose works have been recognized not only in Turkey but all over the world, presents his recent works that were produced in the last three years. Since 90s, Altindere has engaged in contemproary art world of Turkey as a publisher, curator and artist, and just a while ago he became favourite all over the world. His ‘Wonderland’ video that is about transformation of Sulukule shot with hip hop band Tahribad-i Isyan was accepted in MoMA collection. Lately, we have encountered Halil Altindere's at biennial and single work screenings, and finally three years later, he is in Pilot with his new solo exhibition, ‘Reality is Elsewhere’. Videos, sculptures, paintings and objects that he has been producing in the recent years take part in the exhibition which Altindere grounds on ordinary things, art world, history and present of Turkey. In oil paintings, Altindere makes portraits of three people in contemporary art of Turkey, Rene Block, Vasif Kortun and Sarkis. And also with a heavy boxing bag made by marble, he invites the audience to a fight – if you accept the pain. The Book is a precious opportunity to give a look at recent works that belong to one of the most productive artist in contemporary art in Turkey.
This book explores contemporary art in Turkey through a curated selection of 101 artworks spanning over 40 years, highlighting key figures like Altan Gurman and Sarkis. It aims to address the often-overlooked question of memory in Turkey's contemporary art history, examining themes such as sequentiality, simultaneity, tradition, gender, and feminism. The chosen works and accompanying text create an epistemological map that captures visual and conceptual ruptures. The title, inspired by "1001 Nights," reflects a desire to build a flexible gallery of works rather than a rigid canon. The book is organized into two main sections: a gallery curated by Halil Altındere, presenting the 101 selected artworks, and a textual journey by Şükran Moral, focusing solely on these pieces. This publication follows the "User's Manual" from 2007, emphasizing that contemporary art in Turkey encompasses far more than what is presented here. It serves as an invitation to explore and engage with this rich artistic landscape, hoping to inspire readers to delve deeper into this diverse world.