Artists' Film International 2017

Istanbul Modern presents Artists’ Film International, a program and exhibition dedicated to the moving image, featuring videos, animations, and short films by artists from around the world. Held in the pop-up exhibition area, the program also includes conversations and presentations on video art and artists’ films. Celebrating the 10th anniversary of Artists’ Film International this year, the videos in the exhibition focus on the subject of “collaboration” and how different types of collaboration are reflected in the artistic production process, as well as the transformative power of “collaboration” as a concept. This year Istanbul Modern has invited Cengiz Tekin to the program, an artist who lives and works in Diyarbarkır. Tekin’s video “Just Before Paradise” will be on view throughout 2017, not only at Istanbul Modern, but at the international partner organizations as well.

Initiated by the Whitechapel Gallery in 2008, Artists’ Film International continues this year in partnership with 16 art organizations from different parts of the world. Every year, partner organizations who share their knowledge and research on video art, select a work by an artist from their country around a specific theme. Following the curatorial work of each organization, the collaborative selection is presented to the audience in screenings or exhibitions. In previous years, Istanbul Modern participated in the program with videos by Ali Kazma, İnci Eviner, Ergin Çavuşoğlu, Sefer Memişoğlu, Bengü Karaduman, Burak Delier, Vahap Avşar, and Zeyno Pekünlü.

As part of their 10th anniversary celebrations, Artists’ Film International is organizing a special event and panel for the opening of the 57th Venice Biennale in May, which will include the screening of a selection of works by artists nominated by partner organizations in previous years.