An Outlet For Intercultural Art: Sevil Dolmaci Gallery

by Sana Bun

An Outlet For Intercultural Art: Sevil Dolmaci Gallery

6 Mar 2024

In November 2023, Dubai's Design District welcomed a vibrant addition: Sevil Dolmaci Gallery — an outlet for emerging international talents with curative approach and focus on modern Turkish art. We decided to take a closer look and discover what it is all about.

The roots

The person behind the institution, Sevil Dolmaci herself, is an art historian with an academic background.

She completed her master’s and doctorate studies at the British Royal Academy of Arts, worked for Saatchi Gallery and the Tate Modern Museum in London and did art consultancy for Kabakçı and DEMSA Collections in Istanbul. Also, Sevil was giving lectures at Başkent University, taught art history and contemporary art at Kültür and Yeditepe Universities while also collaborating with private clients.

Instagram: @sevildolmacigallery

In 2015, seeing the growing interest in art and the demand for the professionals in the industry, Sevil established her eponymous Art Consultancy, which a few years later gained an extension — Sevil Dolmaci Gallery.

The new chapter

The story of Sevil Dolmaci Gallery starts in 2020, when the flagship project was launched in Istanbul, Turkey. Collaborating with famous curators, the Gallery focused on promising international talents and enriching the Turkish art scene.

Photo: Sevil Dolmaci Gallery

Sevil believes in the importance of intercultural exchange, so three years later, in November 2023, the new division opened its doors in the Design District of Dubai.

The art residency

The place where American artist Chris "DAZE" Ellis worked on a new body of work as part of Sevil Dolmacı Art Residency. Instagram: @sevildolmacigallery

To help young artists to assert themselves, in 2021 Sevil Dolmaci set up an infrastructure that supports creators in building their profiles, provides them with accommodation and helps with the production of their works.

The portfolio

Currently Sevil Dolmaci Gallery represents Michael John Kelly, Derek Weisberg, Eric Shaw, Chris Daze Ellis, Theodore Boyer, Robert Janitz and the late Haluk Akakce.

Instagram: @sevildolmacigallery

The journey in Dubai began with the solo expositions of one of the most outstanding contemporary Turkish artists Ekrem Yalçındağ and internationally recognised Romanian creator Daniel Knorr, followed by group exhibition featuring works of Ahmet Oran, Andy Warhol, Beverly Fishman, Bosco Sodi, Cody Choi, Nejat Satı, Ozan Oganer, Ozan Türkkan, Ross Bleckner, Rosy Keyser, Ryakartstyle (Dmitry Mironov) and Sinan Saül.

Current events

At the moment, Sevil Dolmaci Gallery in Design District is hosting Robert Janitz’s first solo exhibition in Dubai. "Sign Of The Times", running until April 30, showcases the German artist's new works produced in his studio in Mexico, along with pieces created during his residency at Sevil Dolmaci Art Residency in Istanbul.

Photo: Sevil Dolmaci Gallery

The exhibition, offering a glimpse into Janitz’s world, merges eastern and western culture, creating a dialog between them through abstract paintings.

Location: Dubai, Dubai Design District Building R04,11

by Sana Bun