🖼️ What is a Biennial?

The word “Biennial” comes from the Italian term biennale, meaning “once every two years.” In the art world, biennials are large-scale international events where contemporary artworks from diverse disciplines—such as painting, sculpture, photography, video, performance, and installations—are showcased.
The Istanbul Biennial is one of Turkey’s most prestigious cultural events and has been organized by the Istanbul Foundation for Culture and Arts (İKSV) since 1987.

👩‍🎨 Who is Christine Tohmé?

The curator of the Istanbul Biennial, Christine Tohmé, is a Lebanese art curator best known as the founder of Ashkal Alwan, a contemporary art platform she established in 1993.
Her curatorial work often focuses on themes such as social transformations, cultural identities, and the role of art in society.
In the Istanbul Biennial, Tohmé aims not only to curate exhibitions inside galleries but also to merge Istanbul’s unique urban fabric, history, and social dynamics with contemporary art.

🐈 The Meaning of the “Three-Legged Cat” Theme

The title of the 2025 Biennial, “Three-Legged Cat,” represents the delicate balance between resilience, difference, and fragility.

• On one hand, what may seem like a lack or deficiency actually embodies adaptability and the power to survive.
• On the other hand, it highlights how art can generate beauty and meaning even from “imperfections.”

The theme also reflects today’s social, cultural, and ecological crises, creating a metaphor that resonates with our times.