03
May
Looking for a way to Invest in Istanbul? Consider its Artists
Cemal Toy’s City of Istanbul Painting
To invest in Istanbul, many people consider purchasing property or a business, both excellent options but there are other ways. Ways that can that complement your home or business: Art! Istanbul, like many cities has its artistic community, from fine arts to modern contemporary street art. It also has its unique position between east and west and its history of colour and romance from the Ottoman times. A visit to the Istanbul Museum of Modern Art or the Turkish Islam Art Museum will introduce you to some of the wonderful works of art and the artists that can be found depicting life & culture in Istanbul.
One such artist is Cemal Toy who originally from Kütahya has spent the last 30 plus years in Istanbul. Cemal’s art is a mixture of classical with contemporary and abstract elements – a lot like Istanbul itself! The works are a synthesis of Byzantium and Ottoman culture a tribute to the Ottoman miniature art. Using colours popular in that time period he borrows from the techniques of Picasso and Monet and presents the same landscapes in different colours. Cemal’s collages are part of his goal of retaining historical perspectives and Turkish traditions but with modern interpretations. Cemal’s use of scraps of carpets purloined from carpet makers to introduce colour and geometric design is as unique as it is fascinating. Certainly worth a consideration to invest in Istanbul by purchasing a painting to display in the home or office, a smart investment with a visual impact. Cemal Toy holds workshops and teaches in his studio in Kucuk Ayasofya Sultanahmet, to view his current projects pop along and visit.
Mural Art in Istanbul
Cins - Gri Duvarlar Sanat Eserine Döndü – part of the 2015 Mural Ist Festival
Now you may not want to invest in Istanbul with a painting, although I do not know why not! Maybe you would consider a mural from a Turkish street artist? Since the inauguration of the ‘Mural Ist’ in 2010, a number of street artists from around the world have contributed their talents to providing art for the whole community to view. At first the festival consisted of only foreign artists but fledgling Turkish ‘sokak sanatıçları’ have become an increasing part of the street art scene. At last the 2015 festival a number of the artists were from Turkey, including Cins and Canavar. The work of both of these artists and more can be found via an app – Street Art Istanbul ( IOS & Android) or by taking a one day walking tours of Istanbul’s street art. Istanbul street & mural art is a growing urban culture that is proving very popular and positive feedback from the local community and municipalities looks to continuing their support for this artistic endeavour. Got a boring wall that could do with some life? Then consider a mural it certainly packs a punch!