CerModern | Ankara

CerModern is one of Ankara's premier contemporary art museums, playing a key role in Turkey's dynamic and evolving art scene. It showcases a broad range of both Turkish and international contemporary art, contributing significantly to the city's cultural life.

History and Background

Establishment: CerModern opened its doors in 2004 and quickly became a central hub for modern and contemporary art in Ankara. The museum is part of the Cer Istanbul group, a well-known cultural institution in Turkey, and it aims to bring modern art to a wider audience while providing a space for Turkish artists to engage with the international art world.

Location: The museum is housed in a converted railway warehouse in the Sakarya District of Ankara. This repurposed industrial space adds an interesting layer of history to the museum’s contemporary identity, blending the past with the present through both its architecture and exhibitions.

Mission: CerModern’s mission is to promote contemporary art and provide an engaging cultural experience for visitors of all ages and backgrounds. It offers a variety of exhibitions, including visual art, installations, video art, and multimedia works, and supports the professional development of Turkish artists.

Architectural Features

Converted Warehouse: The building that houses CerModern is a former railway warehouse, which has been carefully renovated to serve as a modern art space. Its industrial look, with high ceilings, large windows, and open-plan exhibition areas, complements the museum's contemporary exhibitions, providing a large, flexible space for a variety of art forms.

Design Elements: The architecture maintains elements of its industrial past, such as exposed steel beams and brick walls, which add a rustic, raw aesthetic to the space. This juxtaposition between the old structure and the modern artworks gives the museum a unique atmosphere.

Exhibition Spaces: The museum is spacious, with multiple galleries that allow for both large-scale installations and smaller, more intimate works of art. Its minimalist design allows the art itself to take center stage, while the large, open spaces provide the flexibility to showcase a wide variety of art forms.

Exhibitions and Collections

CerModern hosts temporary exhibitions, often changing throughout the year to showcase new work by contemporary artists from Turkey and around the world. These exhibitions cover a wide range of art forms, including:

Visual Art: Traditional forms like painting and drawing, as well as experimental techniques and multimedia works.

Installations: The museum often features site-specific installations, which allow artists to interact with the physical space of the museum. These installations can be immersive, sometimes extending beyond the walls of the gallery into the entire museum.

Video Art: CerModern is also known for its video and digital art exhibitions, providing a platform for artists working with new media to present their works.

Photography: The museum regularly features photography exhibitions that explore various themes, from conceptual photography to documentary work, capturing different aspects of modern life.

International Artists: CerModern not only features Turkish artists but also presents work by international artists, helping to create cross-cultural dialogue and exchange between Turkey and the global art community.

Turkish Artists: One of the museum's goals is to support and promote contemporary Turkish artists. Many prominent Turkish artists have had solo exhibitions or featured works in group shows, helping them gain national and international recognition.

Programs and Events

Educational Programs: CerModern offers a variety of educational programs and workshops aimed at engaging visitors of all ages. These programs include art talks, artist-led workshops, and interactive learning sessions designed to deepen the public's understanding and appreciation of contemporary art.

Artist Talks and Panels: The museum regularly hosts lectures, panels, and discussions with artists, curators, and scholars. These events provide insights into the works on display and offer a platform for dialogue about contemporary art and its role in society.

Film Screenings: CerModern occasionally organizes film screenings that are linked to ongoing exhibitions, providing an opportunity to explore film as an artistic medium and its relationship to the visual arts.

Visitor Experience

Engagement with Art: Visitors to CerModern can expect an engaging and immersive experience. The exhibitions are designed to provoke thought and challenge conventional ideas of art. The museum aims to make contemporary art accessible and engaging for all, whether you're a seasoned art lover or a first-time visitor.

Café and Bookshop: The museum has a café and a bookshop, offering visitors the chance to relax, reflect, and purchase books, art prints, and other art-related items. The café is a popular spot for art lovers to discuss the exhibitions or simply unwind.

Special Events and Collaborations: CerModern often hosts special events, including collaborative projects with other museums, galleries, and cultural institutions both within Turkey and internationally. These collaborations provide additional opportunities for exposure to different artistic practices and ideas.

Conclusion

CerModern is a significant cultural institution in Ankara, playing a crucial role in the promotion of contemporary art. It offers a dynamic space for artists to showcase their work and provides visitors with a chance to engage with modern art in a thoughtful, accessible way. The museum’s blend of local and international exhibitions, as well as its focus on education and dialogue, makes it a must-visit for anyone interested in the contemporary art scene in Turkey. Whether you're a fan of traditional art forms or more experimental mediums, CerModern offers a rich and diverse cultural experience.