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Discovering contemporary design in Istanbul : Hic, the Turkish word for "nothing", is a shop specialising in contemporary crafts. -
Discovering contemporary design in Istanbul : Some homeware and furniture on display in Hic. -
Discovering contemporary design in Istanbul : Hic is known for its modern take on traditional Turkish crafts. -
Discovering contemporary design in Istanbul : Hand-turned wooden bowls and woven textiles. -
Discovering contemporary design in Istanbul : Crafters, artists and designers from across Turkey are stocked at Hic. -
Discovering contemporary design in Istanbul : More from Hic. -
Discovering contemporary design in Istanbul : Emel Guntas, owner of Hic is known for pushing the design boundaries. -
Discovering contemporary design in Istanbul : Traditional antique textiles and carpets are displayed alongside modern interpretations of this Turkish craft.
In the latest issue, VISI 58, Vicki Sleet paid a visit to emerging creative hub, Istanbul, where she wandered the streets in search of great design. Not only did she find local talent inspired by the Ottoman Empire’s colourful past; but some South African designs too, courtesy of Yelda Bayraktar.
The recently launched ZA Art and Design Society is a showcase of contemporary South African design and aims to share local talents with an increasingly appreciative art-loving society. The project was started by Yelda Bayraktar, who has worked on numerous Istanbul design projects such as the popular House Hotel brand. Born and bred in Istanbul, the Cape Town-based design consultant still travels to Istanbul every six weeks.
Another project under Yelda’s curatorship is the Hasköy Yarn Factory. The former industrial space is being renovated as a venue for emerging creatives to show their work, art, pop-up shops, and installations at the upcoming Design Biennial.
The Design Biennial is a two-month design expo that will take place during October 2012. The theme is “Imperfection” and is sure to provide interesting interpretations against the backdrop of a city with such a rich cultural heritage.
Yelda’s idea for the Hasköy Yarn Factory goes beyond the anticipated event as she hopes for the 42 000 m2 space to become a more formalised art and design hub post-biennial, with plans for a hotel, design stores, and galleries. “I’ve spent my whole life either living or visiting Istanbul and over the past few years I’ve really seen the art and design scene come into its own – every time I go, something new is happening or has opened,” she says.
Win
One lucky reader can win a trip to Istanbul for the first ever Design Biennial. The prize includes return business-class flights from Cape Town or Johannesburg to Istanbul courtesy of Turkish Airlines, and access to selected Design Biennial talks, workshops, and exhibitions courtesy of the IKVS. The prize excludes all other expenses.
For competition details and to read more about Vicki’s discoveries as well as the first Design Biennial, get hold of the latest issue of VISI, on sale now.
