Young gallerina Lalin Akalin recently orchestrated her first exhibition, featuring 11 artists, in a first-time venue, providing to critics that it could be done in such a short amount of time, from scratch, and very well at that. Esen Boyacigiller

Tell us how the idea for this exhibition came about? How did this all begin?

My friend Nick Hackworth and I always wanted to do something in Istanbul. So we collaborated on an exhibition during Istanbul Biennial.

 

Is this the first exhibition you have organized on your own?* And if so, were you very nervous? What difficulties did you anticipate encountering?

Yes it was my first. I can’t say it made me nervous but it definitely put me in a multitasking hyperactive mode. I anticipated some PR troubles for a temporary space during biennale, but was proved wrong. I owe it to my many friends who work in the field and didn’t hesitate to embrace my project as their own and share it with their own network.

 

In reality, what were the biggest challenges you faced?

The hardest part was to remain patient with the neighbors and the workmen who would not be able to grasp the necessities of an ‘artspace’.

 

Tell us about the opening, which was last night. How did it feel to see it all come together?

The opening was a success and lasted exactly 8 hours. Aside from being fun, the amount of serious collectors and arts officials was shockingly more than I expected. I think the neighborhood and the space was new for the visitors – for it was able to host big-scale artworks and was much larger than the average gallery space in Istanbul.

 

How much do you think your own artistic side plays a part in curating an exhibition? Do you think, as an artist, you see a different perspective of the art you are examining? Surely, not just any person could curate an event like this…

Well frankly, I genuinely believed it was going to be an ok show because all my friends were so doubtful of the space I had just rented. They thought it was way too dodgy to attract major collectors and enthusiasts. But it turns out, a good paint job, the addition of plaster walls and the right choice of lighting really do make a difference. People like the Chief curators of White Cube, Whitechapel and British Council have found the space charming and asked many questions regarding the quickie make-over, I guess firstly, because they were curious to know the costs of such a space and secondly because they had a hard time believing a 24-year-old pulled it off – so they were fishing for some truths and proofs.

 

Tell us about the space, Paradise Row, which if I’m not mistaken is right around the corner from your home. It must have helped to be so close to the venue, and also, how did you use the space, to maximize the area? What were your considerations in best displaying the artwork?

We hosted 11 artists – so the main objective was to give them each their deserved space. We had an initial lit room alongside a darker room to highlight some light based installation work. It worked well with the space and enabled the visitor to experience some sort of journey. Living very close to the exhibition space was a true blessing! My home turned into a full-on office.

 

How did you choose the artists you wanted to work with? What are the criteria you look for when deciding to work with a particular artist?

We wanted it to be artists who have never shown in Turkey – and artists who could inspire, lead and lift obstacles for the newer generations of artists here. The anti-utopian modernist strands of thought were the unifying concept. ‘It had to be absolutely modern’ and it had to continue exploring the meaning of modernity. Obviously, the criteria included personal preference! To be able to show Jake and Dinos Chapman in my first exhibition was exhilarating. And I owe that pleasure to my partner and his London connections.

 

Complete this sentence for us please: The greatest joy of the exhibition was…

When my friends brought a 1.5liter Coca-Cola and warm bread to me at 5 in the morning. They never left my side..

 ‘Il Faut Etre Absolument Moderne’ can be seen until 10 November 2009

Open Tuesday to Sunday, from 10-19.00

Lüleci Hendek Caddesi, Ali Hoca Sokak 

Gun Han No 12, Floor 2, Galata