“Chiharu Shiota: Worlds In-Between” Exhibition at Istanbul Modern

Istanbul Modern is set to host a landmark exhibition titled “Chiharu Shiota: Worlds In-Between,” featuring a large-scale installation by acclaimed Japanese artist Chiharu Shiota. This exhibition will open on September 6, 2024, and run through April 20, 2025. It is part of the celebrations marking the 100th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Japan and Turkey. The exhibition is presented in partnership with the Japan Foundation, the Embassy of Japan, and the Consulate General of Japan in Istanbul, with additional support from Arnica.

Curated by Istanbul Modern’s Chief Curator Öykü Özsoy Sağnak and Assistant Curator Yazın Öztürk, “Worlds In-Between” will delve into themes that have become synonymous with Shiota’s work: memory, existence, migration, and the human experience. Known for her evocative installations that often utilize thread to create intricate webs around everyday objects, Shiota’s work challenges viewers to reflect on their own lives and histories.

At the heart of the exhibition is the large-scale installation that gives the exhibition its name. Shiota’s “Worlds In-Between” draws inspiration from Istanbul’s unique position straddling both Europe and Asia. The installation, created specifically for Istanbul Modern, will offer a contemplative space where personal and collective memories intersect, allowing visitors to explore their own narratives within the broader context of the city’s rich history.

Chiharu Shiota has gained international recognition for her ability to transform mundane objects such as shoes, keys, beds, chairs, and dresses into powerful symbols of memory and consciousness. Born in Osaka in 1972, Shiota has lived and worked in Berlin for many years. Her installations, sculptures, drawings, performance videos, photographs, and canvases all grapple with the idea of existence within absence, a theme that resonates deeply in her work.

One of Shiota’s most celebrated achievements was her representation of Japan at the 2015 Venice Biennale, where her installation captivated audiences with its intricate beauty and emotional depth. Her works have since been featured in prestigious institutions around the world, including the Hammer Museum, the Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art (QAGOMA), and the Smithsonian Institution’s Arthur M. Sackler Gallery.

The exhibition at Istanbul Modern offers a unique opportunity for visitors to experience Shiota’s work in a new light. Through her installations, visitors will be invited to explore the connections between individual stories and collective memory, and how these narratives shape our understanding of existence. The artist’s use of thread to create sprawling, immersive environments will undoubtedly provide a striking visual and emotional experience.

In addition to her installations, the exhibition will feature other facets of Shiota’s work, including her paintings, drawings, and video performances. These works further explore the themes of identity, memory, and the human condition, providing a comprehensive look at Shiota’s artistic journey.

As Istanbul Modern continues to highlight contemporary art from around the world, “Chiharu Shiota: Worlds In-Between” stands out as a testament to the museum’s commitment to fostering cross-cultural dialogue and understanding. This exhibition not only honors the longstanding relationship between Japan and Turkey but also invites viewers to reflect on the universal themes that connect us all.

Visitors can explore “Chiharu Shiota: Worlds In-Between” at Istanbul Modern from September 6, 2024, to April 20, 2025. The exhibition is expected to attract art enthusiasts and those interested in the complex interplay of memory, history, and existence, as explored through Shiota’s visionary artistry.