Mamut Art Project to showcase over 500 artworks

ISTANBUL

Dedicated to providing a dynamic platform for undiscovered creative talent throughout Turkey and engaging them with new and established collectors, galleries and curators, the 7th Mamut Art Project will be organized between April 3 and 7 in Istanbul’s Küçükçiftlik Park.

Directed by Seren Kohen and sponsored by Akkök Holding, 25 female and 25 male artists were selected from among 1,350 applicants to present more than 500 artworks.

Mamut Art Project’s unique rent-free platform offers a distinct alternative to the traditional art fair model, providing 10 square meters of exhibition space to emerging talents to showcase their art practice. As well as providing curatorial guidance, promotional support and networking opportunities during the exhibition, Mamut Art Project also offers professional development consultancy to each participating artist once the exhibition closes.

Over the past two years the event attracted more than 35,000 visitors, and the 2019 edition secured the highest number of applications as 1,350 applications were received from undiscovered talents across Turkey.

This year’s jury included practicing contemporary artist Memed Erdener, a.k.a. Extrastruggle, collector Ari Meşulam, curator and writer Aslı Seven, art historian Professor Dr. Burcu Pelvanoğlu and founder of Pi Artworks Gallery Yeşim Turanlı.

In its 7th edition, the event will exhibit artworks across a wide range of disciplines including painting, sculpture, collage, photography, textile and digital art. Participating artists will be given a free platform to explore new forms and materials, contribute to global contemporary issues, and reframe individual expression.

The event will also offer parallel events to visitors to enhance their experience. The 2019 edition launched Mamut Shots, a motivational talk series to be held by creative industry leaders from different fields. Mamut Shots aims to exchange knowledge and inspire the audience.

Mamut Performances program will continue to contribute to the ongoing development of performance art in Turkey. KRÜW, a collaboration with a collective of 20 Istanbul-based artists from different fields including illustrators, sculptors and street artists, will create a series of works exclusive of Mamut’s 7th edition.

KRÜW’s works will be auditioned as attractively priced silkscreen prints throughout the Mamut event. Finally, Mamut Kids section will provide children the chance to participate in interactive, colorful, fun and accessible activities focusing on process and experience.