Istiklal street is home to some of Istanbul's most interesting characters from dancers and musicians to tourists and local residents. They have certainly served as an inspiration to the city's artists and writers. Now an exhibition uses a 'touch of magic' to honour the many faces seen on this sprawling boulevard. Showcase's Sena Arslan went to see how.
Klagenfurt is known for its picturesque lanes, historical buildings and massive lake with stunning views. Imagine a football stadium. Not to watch a game, but rather to enjoy the beauty and serenity of nature.
What would your childhood keepsakes look like if you had them locked away in a time capsule for 100 years? American artist Daniel Arsham has sculpted some of his favourite objects from when he was a kid and turned them into bonafide ancient artefacts. Showcase'st Aadel Haleem went to Arsham's makeshift art gallery here in Istanbul to find out.
Snapping a photograph of a bouquet of flowers only takes a milli-second with your smartphone. But with the help of one Turkish botanical artist, you might be able to draw the flowers better by hand. In the latest book by Isik Guner, the botanical artist gives step by step instructions of how to create hyper-realistic portraits of plants and flowers.
Showcase brings you to the Mimar Sinan Fine Arts University, İstanbul Painting and Sculpture Museum. It is just one of the venues playing host to work during this 16th edition of the city's biennial. Curated by eminent art historian Nicola Bourriaud, more than 220 artworks by 56 artists and art collectives will take visitors into a creative territory grouped this year under the theme: The Seventh Continent.
Buyukada Island, a 30-kilometre ferry ride along the Bosphorus from Istanbul, was chosen as one of the locations for the city's 2019 Biennial. It is a complete physical and mental escape from the relentless bustle of Istanbul. Not to mention the perfect place to really reflect on this year's Biennial theme: Humankind's Impact on our Planet. Showcase's Salome Van Zyl went to see for herself if the island, and it's art, is worth the journey.
One of the venues at the 16th Istanbul Biennial is the Pera Museum, the beating heart of the city's contemporary art scene. But the museum is not all about contemporary art. It is also known for its historic collections of artefacts, including an array of Orientalist paintings as well as traditional Turkish tiles and ceramics. And it is exactly that history laced theme the museum is playing with. Showcase Sena Arslan went there to see how.