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Mucciaccia Contemporary features artistic renditions of life at Contemporary Istanbul
Artworks by BR1 at Mucciaccia Contemporary during Contemporary Istanbul 2022
Image: Courtesy of BR1 and Mucciaccia Contemporary
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Mucciaccia Contemporary features artistic renditions of life at Contemporary Istanbul

The art gallery showcases an extensive repository of artworks by contemporary artists such as Nick Atkins, Nicole Voltan, Keegan McHargue, and MP5, among others.

by Anushka Sharma
Published on : Oct 17, 2022

Thomas Kinkade, an American artist and the famed ‘painter of light’ once stated that “art transcends cultural boundaries,” an observation that has stayed relevant through the ages. As opposed to verbal languages that segregate people, visual languages unify them. Art fairs like Contemporary Istanbul, which emphasise how art transcends geographic, cultural, and social boundaries and enables the artist and the viewer to interact without using words. Contemporary Istanbul 2022 wrapped up its 17th edition on September 22, 2022, punctuating contemporary art through art exhibitions, art installations, and panel discussions in the business capital of Turkey. The art fair emerged triumphant with an exemplary attendance of 48,700 and a total sales rate of 77 percent reported by participating galleries. A strong line-up of galleries from Europe, the Middle East, North America, Africa, and Asia—with 14 galleries participating for the first time—featured 1,476 artworks by 558 contemporary artists. Bringing together artists from varying disciplines, Mucciaccia Contemporary, an art gallery based in Rome, showcased an extensive repository of stirring artworks.

Mucciaccia Contemporary at Contemporary Istanbul 2022
Mucciaccia Contemporary at Contemporary Istanbul 2022 Image: Courtesy of Sydney Chastain-Chapman and Mucciaccia Contemporary
The gallery brought together a wide roster of artists
The gallery brought together a wide roster of artists Image: Courtesy of BR1 and Mucciaccia Contemporary

The gallery joined the global celebration of art at Tersane Istanbul featuring works by an extensive roster of international artists. New York-based multidisciplinary artist and graphic designer Nick Atkins was one of the key exhibitors who showcased his distinctive creative vocabulary. His artworks such as ‘Singing’ and ‘Cleopatra Smoke’ displayed an integration of painting, film, sculptural installation, and fashion. Spanish artist Gonzalo Borondo, who often depicted cities and streets as his canvas, added to the showcase with his paintings such as ‘Camino Arde’. A similar ties to the streets are evident in the work of Italian street artist Ligama who adorned the showcase with ‘Falling Hands’. Spotlighting works based on and influenced by city life, Italian artist BR1 unveiled his vivid art that aims to bring collective awareness. With female figures as the protagonist, American artist Sydney Chastain-Chapman displayed her paintings that depict broken worlds mirroring our reality. Recent paintings by New Zealand-based 3D artist James Busby also took centrestage in the gallery’s exhibit.

Sydney Chastain-Chapman, Lilotherapy/The Guru/Pisces
Sydney Chastain-Chapman, Lilotherapy/The Guru/Pisces Image: Courtesy of Sydney Chastain-Chapman and Mucciaccia Contemporary
Untitled by BR1
Untitled by BR1 Image: Courtesy of BR1 and Mucciaccia Contemporary

Visual artists Andrea Conte and Benjamin Edwards featured a vibrant ensemble of multimedia creations with their signature artistic languages that explore the applications of technology in art. A scientific approach towards art is featured also in works such as ‘Thirsty World 2020’ by Nicole Voltan. Emphasising her interests in art and photography, Brigita Huemer’s colourful and dynamic artworks spoke a language of abstract forms. American artist Keegan McHargue platformed his abstract and dream-like paintings while MP5 presented her feminist visual art. Art, illustration, sculpture, and design merge into one another in the creations of illustrator and cartoonist Andy Rementer. Paintings by Justin Samson that crush taboos and reinvent the art through new and contrasting combinations, and Tom Sanford’s still life and portraits employing contemporary references made for great additions to the showcase.

Singing by Nick Atkins
Singing by Nick Atkins Image: Courtesy of Nick Atkins and Mucciaccia Contemporary
Falling Hands by Ligama
Falling Hands by Ligama Image: Courtesy of Ligama and Mucciaccia Contemporary

Mucciaccia established the Mucciaccia Contemporary in Rome's historical centre in 2006. Born into a family of gallerists and art patrons, Massimiliano was surrounded by artists, curators, and aficionados. Soon, a second space in the stunning location of the Dolomite Mountains was inaugurated. Since its inception, Mucciaccia Contemporary has established a reputation as an exclusive corner in Cortina d’Ampezzo and a coveted spot for art lovers and collectors during the winter season. As a founding partner, Massimiliano launched Mucciaccia Gallery in Singapore in 2012. Later, Mucciaccia Gallery opened branches in London, New York, and Chelsea, strengthening its international presence.

Cleopatra Smoke by Nick Atkins
Cleopatra Smoke by Nick Atkins Image: Courtesy of Nick Atkins and Mucciaccia Contemporary
Untitled by BR1
Untitled by BR1 Image: Courtesy of BR1 and Mucciaccia Contemporary

International and regional artists enjoy equal representation through solo exhibitions, showcases, and diverse event programmes. The gallery strives to explore the works of a wide roster of artists and sculptors whose work features innovative approaches to art, with a focus on the 20th and 21st century artists. The gallery's ongoing partnership with institutions and foundations allows the gallery to organise museum-quality exhibitions, such as the retrospectives of Giorgio de Chirico, Robert Rauschenberg and David LaChapelle. The gallery strengthens its identity with a retrospective display brimming with many artistic interpretations by showcasing innovative contemporary Italian and international artists in a robust exhibition schedule.

Contemporary Istanbul’s 17th edition was held from September 17, 2022, to September 22, 2022, at Tersane Istanbul in Turkey.

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