‘Even if there is not such a definite parting of the ways, there are many artists I know who simply do not have time to perform their art.’
Emre Akaltın

It’s possible to say that some galleries provide significant financial and emotional support to artists, nurturing their growth. However, it’s also true that some galleries use artists as shields to advance their own corporate identity. They leverage the artist's image while failing to give them the respect and development opportunities they deserve.

Some galleries can be very supportive of artists, both financially and emotionally. However, others tend to place the artist in the background, using them primarily to advance the gallery's own brand image without giving them due recognition or opportunities for growth. Striking a balance between the artist and the gallery can be a challenge for curators, who need to maintain open and transparent communication to navigate these dynamics effectively. Often, issues arise from unresolved matters that were not discussed upfront, highlighting the importance of clear agreements.

Artists can sometimes feel skeptical toward galleries and curators. While not all artists may have had negative experiences, those who have often become cautious. It’s essential to remember that artists have the right to make a living from their work. Many end up needing to take on other jobs just to survive, which detracts from the time they could spend on their art. Especially in a city like Istanbul, focusing solely on artistic production can be challenging given the high cost of living.

In today’s art scene, I appreciate works that reflect a strong social understanding and manage to say something new by bridging tradition with contemporary relevance. I believe Turkey has a significant tradition in contemporary art, with institutions like SALT and Arter working to build archives and foster a body of knowledge in this field. However, success in art shouldn’t be measured solely by inclusion in these institutions’ collections. Some pieces manage to disrupt conventional flows and create a subtle, playful rupture in the order of things, which I find compelling.

From my personal experience, alignment between the curator and the artist is crucial. This alignment can only be achieved through transparency and by discussing all relevant matters openly at the outset. In group exhibitions, it’s important to address how an artist’s work will be presented, its connection to other works and artists in the exhibition, and budget-related concerns. Prior to the exhibition, both the curator and the artist should openly discuss the exhibition’s financial, academic, career, and communication goals. Afterward, there should be a review to assess the extent to which these goals were met. Exhibitions ultimately serve as valuable learning experiences for both artists and curators.