HB Art Gallery, one of Istanbul’s established art institutions, has left its location in Nişantaşı behind and moved to its new and dynamic address in Mecidiyeköy. The gallery’s first event in the new venue was a group exhibition presenting a two-year history with a retrospective look. Hazım Evrengil, the gallery owner, shared the excitement of the new venue’s first day and future plans.

New Venue, New Excitement

Evrengil stated that they held the gallery’s new season opening at their new address in Mecidiyeköy, and extended an invitation to art lovers by saying, “We had a wonderful opening with our guests. Hoping to definitely be together in our future exhibitions.”

A Retrospective Journey: 10 Artists, 28 Works

Emphasizing that they preferred to crown this new beginning with the works of artists who have crossed paths with the gallery, rather than with a single artist, Evrengil explained the concept of the exhibition with these words:
“A new venue, a new excitement. Therefore, instead of having an opening with any single artist, we wanted to hold an opening by taking a few works from the artists we have been working with for two years, in order to live a retrospective story with them. We actually wanted to both relive our past exhibitions and refresh our old memories.”

In this context, Evrengil expressed that approximately 28 works from 10 artists working with the gallery are exhibited, stating, “It was a great opening with two or three works from each. Our loved ones, collectors, and those who follow us did not leave us alone.”

The Spirit of Art Moto Lives on in the New Venue

Pointing out that the new venue is the place that was previously known as “Art Moto,” a venue that combined art with a passion for motorcycles, Evrengil said, “We essentially moved into Art Moto’s old garage. Therefore, we wanted to continue its spirit and bring a new excitement to art.”

Stating that they included a car and a motorcycle from the Art Moto collection to strengthen this context, Evrengil said that such interdisciplinary interactions are important to attract people’s concentration today and to bring a different perspective to art.

The New Venue Found “Warmer”

Reminding that the previous venue in Nişantaşı was in a central location and had a nice garden, Evrengil relayed the feedback from participants as follows:
“I observed that this place has a warmer atmosphere. I spoke with about 20 people who commented. Almost all of them think this place is much nicer. Therefore, I believe we will capture a nice ambiance here with the old car and the Art Moto concept. I hope we can contribute to art and art lovers.”

Exhibition and Future Plans

Announcing that the opening group exhibition will remain open for visits for approximately 15-20 more days, Evrengil shared the good news that they will complete the preparations for the next exhibition during this time and announce the new exhibition date as soon as possible. He added that the current exhibition can be visited on certain days and times of the week; and the working days and hours will soon be finalized and announced.

HB Art Gallery aims to reach wider audiences by bringing art together with different disciplines at its new address in Mecidiyeköy and to bring a dynamic breath to Istanbul’s art scene.