Istanbul contemporary art gallery Galerist will mark its 25th anniversary with Labour of Love, a major group exhibition bringing together more than 40 artists who have shaped its programme since its founding in 2001. Opening on 16 September 2026, the exhibition pairs significant historical works with 17 new commissions created for the occasion, featuring artists including Nil Yalter, Ayşe Erkmen, İpek Duben, Elif Uras, Gavin Turk, Hera Büyüktaşcıyan, Hussein Chalayan, Taner Ceylan and Youssef Nabil.
Labour of Love celebrates the idea of self-portraiture, approaching identity through the distinctive materials and visual languages of each artist rather than literal representations of the self. Works spanning painting, sculpture, textiles, photography, video, installation and performance explore cultural identity and representation, while bringing different generations and artistic perspectives into conversation.
The exhibition also looks back at Galerist’s role in Turkey’s contemporary art scene over the past quarter-century. Since opening in Istanbul, the gallery has staged more than 200 exhibitions, working with emerging and established artists while developing connections between Turkey’s art scene and international audiences. “Galerist has always been built on relationships,” Director Müge Çubukçu said, describing the anniversary show as a celebration of the artists, curators, collectors and audiences who have contributed to the gallery’s development.
Labour of Love is on view at Galerist, Istanbul, from 16 September to 7 November 2026, concluding the gallery’s year-long 25th anniversary programme.
