The 8th edition of BASE, which brings together the works of newly graduated artists from all over Turkey under one roof, will take place from November 27 to December 1, 2024, at The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Istanbul B Block. The event is organized with Trendyol Sanat as the main sponsor, hosted by Şişli Municipality, with Bilgili Holding as the main venue sponsor, and in collaboration with Bilgili Sanat. BASE 2024 will feature approximately 150 works created in various disciplines such as painting, photography, ceramics, glass, sculpture, video, new media, graphic design, and traditional Turkish Arts, showcasing the works of 132 new graduates from 40 universities across 33 cities.
For eight years, BASE has been held with the mission of supporting the creativity and motivation of newly graduated artists and fostering their dialogue with art professionals and audiences. This year, BASE will once again bring the works of 2024 graduates to art enthusiasts between November 27 and December 1. In collaboration with Bilgili Sanat and Şişli Municipality, hosted at The Ritz-Carlton Residences, with Bilgili Holding as the main venue sponsor and Trendyol Sanat as the main sponsor, BASE 2024 will continue its tradition of showcasing the perspectives of the next generation of artists on the world and art.
BASE, with its diverse and highly regarded jury composed of prominent figures from the art world, has evaluated the 2024 applications. The jury members include Ari Meşulam, Bahar Kızgut, Coşar Kulaksız, Daryo Beskinazi, Derya Yücel, Ergin Çavuşoğlu, Esra Aliçavuşoğlu, Gülay Semercioğlu, Nermin Er, Oya Delahaye, Serkan Özkaya, Sinan Demirtaş, Yaşam Şaşmazer, and Yekhan Pınarlıgil.
Derya Yücel, the curator of BASE, highlights the question “What does art do?” as the core theme for this year’s exhibition. She elaborates on the curatorial title: “Is art infinite? Is it universal? Does art heal? Does it nourish hope? Does it teach or remind us? Does it disturb or provide pleasure? Is it real or imaginary? Is art beautiful or useful? For 8 years, BASE has been connecting individuals, thoughts, attitudes, and forms through the shared grammar of art. This year, BASE asks, ‘What does art do?’ This question, which opens the door to multilayered ideas, provides us with insights not only related to art but also about how young artists perceive life, the world, humanity, nature, and the future. The question aims to transform the sensitivity, memory, experiences, and the way young artists organize reality, tensions, and excitement into a multifaceted dialogue. Rather than seeking definitive answers, this question establishes a common and temporary framework while creating an interactive platform for the artist, work, and viewer. The question ‘What does art do?’ helps us understand the ever-changing nature of what makes something an artwork today. The meaning, function, necessity, and impact of art on people are open to various interpretations. Perhaps, art is simply whatever it does.”
For eight years, BASE has been strengthening relationships between newly graduated artists and various actors, experts, and institutions in the art field. By promoting communication, dialogue, and collaborative practices, BASE creates a common space for individual uniqueness and societal encounters. As in previous years, BASE 2024 will showcase how newly graduated artists develop their perspectives on the world and art, the richness or limitations of their creative channels, the contemporary concepts and content they explore in art production, the possibilities of the forms, mediums, and tools they use, and the issues they engage with or avoid. BASE 2024 will highlight how young artists convey their experiences, relationships, lifestyles, and the diversity of their production tools, offering a fresh look at the current generation of artists and their unique approaches.
BASE, which will be open to visitors for free every day from November 27 to December 1, 2024, will host not only the exhibition of 2024 graduates but also six other simultaneous exhibitions.
BASELECTED 2024, a collaboration between BASE and Bilgili Sanat, will showcase a selection of recent works from nearly 100 artists who have participated in various editions of ‘BASE’ since 2017. Located on the second floor, this exhibition offers visitors the opportunity to track the artistic journeys of artists who have passed through BASE, while also reflecting the influences of contemporary global issues such as migration, war, urban transformation, ecology, identity, gender, belonging, and power on art.
In collaboration with BASE and Trendyol Sanat, the exhibition Guest Country Azerbaijan: A Look at Young Art Production will bring together nearly 30 works by 14 young artists from Azerbaijan who have recently graduated or completed their studies. This exhibition will showcase the vibrant and diverse artistic expressions from Azerbaijan, highlighting the parallel art production in both countries.
In collaboration with BASE and KTSM, the “İyi Bak Dünyana” (Take Good Care of Your World) exhibition will feature a selection of contemporary works by 14 ceramic artists who have participated in past BASE editions. These artists focus on the limitations of the world and explore ways to consider a sustainable future.
In partnership with BASE and Jumbo, the third edition of “Zamanın İzinde” (In the Footsteps of Time) will present installations by nine artists who approach recycling from an aesthetic perspective. The exhibition will breathe new life into timeless Jumbo designs, drawing attention to sustainable art and environmental awareness.
The BASELECTED X Norm Sanat collaboration will present Baselected Collector Edition: 11 Artists / 11 Collections. This exhibition will showcase a selection of contemporary works from 11 artists who have passed through BASE, displayed in private collections.
At the Bir Adım Var Foundation space, artworks by 15 young female artists supported by the foundation will be featured.
Address:
The Ritz-Carlton Residences Istanbul, B Block, Fulya Entrance
Öğretmen Haşim Çeken Cad. No:4 Şişli, Istanbul, 34330
