LET TIME RUN ITS COURSE

The 9th Çanakkale Biennial, under the theme "Let Time Run its Course", addresses digital technologies, environmental sustainability and cultural heritage. With the participation of over 50 artists, the event uses art as a medium of dialogue, offering creative approaches to a world in flux.

1 October 2024|In Finds| ALPEREN KARAKÖSE

The 9th Çanakkale Biennial, held between Oct. 4 and Nov. 11 this year, has opened its doors under the theme “Let Time Run its Course”. The biennial sponsored by Dardanel features over 50 artists across 13 different venues, with projects that prioritize inclusivity and interaction. Organized by the Çanakkale Biennial Initiative (CABININ) since 2008, the event aims to promote contemporary art and bring together different communities. Artistic direction is led by Seyhan Boztepe, with a committee composed of Alper Akyüz, Burak Topçakıl, Deniz Erbaş, Didem Çapa, Ebru Nalan Sülün, Hakan Yılmaz, Rüstem Aslan, Thouli Misirloglou, Ulrika Flink and Zihni Tümer. This edition’s theme, “Let Time Run its Course”, encourages patience over haste in today’s rapidly changing conditions, using the visual culture of younger generations to develop artistic approaches to urgent issues. Focusing on three main axes, the biennial addresses topics such as digital technologies, environmental sustainability and cultural heritage.

This year’s participating artists include Ahmet Yiğider, Ataman Girişken, Damla Sari, Nejat Birecik, Kaan Tanhan and Alper Aydın, as well as international figures such as David Blandy, Jane Jin Kaisen, Edith Roux and Johannes Vogl. Notable exhibition venues include the Troy Museum, Çanakkale City Center, MAHAL Art Habitat and the Korfmann Library. The Troy Museum stands out for its role in bridging the past and the present through the biennial’s rich content. MAHAL Art Habitat, launched 11 years ago by CABININ, provides a platform for young artists with its various exhibitions, while the Korfmann Library, focusing on archaeology and history, takes visitors on a journey between the past and the present. Throughout the biennial, various parallel events will be held for art lovers in Çanakkale. The “Boundless: Masterclass Program” event was held on Oct. 5 in collaboration with Spaces of Culture. In addition, a workshop titled “Art in Urban Spaces” were scheduled to open with contributions from Kale Group, while Trendyol Art is set to support talks, workshops and concerts. The 9th Çanakkale Biennial stands as an important example of how art functions as a tool for dialogue and interaction, making it a part of everyday life.

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