I Was Here
Bringing together art and nature in a truly unique setting, Bodrum Loft is once again hosting a world-renowned art gallery this summer—this time welcoming Almine Rech for its first-ever exhibition in Turkey, titled “I Was Here.”
With its modern architecture, distinctive lifestyle, and refined gastronomic
experience, Bodrum Loft continues to be a haven for art lovers. In collaboration with
Artsa Consultancy, the venue will present “I Was Here,” an exhibition by Almine Rech,
which has gallery spaces in Paris, Brussels, London, New York, Monaco, and
Shanghai. This debut exhibition in Turkey explores the marks we leave behind and
the essence of human presence.
Located in the secluded bay of Demirbükü, Bodrum Loft blends contemporary design with nature, offering a unique atmosphere that continues to attract global attention. In previous years, the venue has hosted internationally acclaimed galleries such as KÖNIG Galerie, Perrotin, and Thaddaeus Ropac—and this year, it welcomes Almine Rech for its long-awaited Turkish debut.
Curated by Selcan Atılgan, founder of Artsa Consultancy, the exhibition will take place from July 10 to August 31, 2025, showcasing 8 artworks by 6 distinguished artists: César Baldaccini, Agustín Cárdenas, En Iwamura, Ryan Schneider, Tia-Thuy Nguyen, and Alejandro Cardenas. The exhibition invites visitors to experience world-class contemporary art in a natural setting, creating a space where memory, presence, and environment converge.
ABOUT THE EXHIBITION: “I WAS HERE”
Curated by Selcan Atılgan, the “I Was Here” exhibition reflects on the moments and traces that outlive us. It’s an invitation to consider a breath, a touch, or an instance of being as a lingering echo—like a fingerprint on a surface or a memory etched in a heart. Without asking for anything in return, the exhibition simply declares: “I Was here. Don’t Forget.”
I Was Here
ABOUT BODRUM LOFT
Praised by leading international publications and rapidly becoming a staple of Bodrum’s luxury scene, Bodrum Loft opened its doors in summer 2020 as an Akfen Group investment. Nestled in the pristine Demirbükü Bay, this extraordinary resort merges modern architecture with natural surroundings to offer an unforgettable holiday experience. Home to top culinary brands such as Loft Elia, Paper Moon Bodrum Loft, The Pantry, and Ters Köşe, the venue also stands out with its unique reservation model.
Since its opening, Bodrum Loft has hosted various art and cultural events in collaboration with global institutions, offering its guests not only an exceptional stay but also rich cultural engagement.
I Was Here
Agustín Cárdenas, who began his artistic journey in Havana, defying figurative norms with abstract, fluid forms in wood, bronze, and marble. His sculptures resemble shells, totems, and portals—sensory and poetic reminders of our intuitive presence in time.
Alejandro Cardenas blends design and fine art to craft humanlike figures that transcend
human identity. His mystical yet minimal visual language evokes surrealism and magical
realism, offering meditative spaces even in austere settings.
En Iwamura, inspired by the Japanese philosophy of Ma—the space between presence and absence—combines ritual, humor, and ambiguity in his ceramic sculptures. His Neo Jomon: Prince of the Underground is both guardian and spirit, a silent yet expressive presence with in the environment. Tia-Thuy Nguyen revives dead oak trees by enveloping them in fabric, symbolizing rebirth and preservation. Drawing from Buddhist philosophy and the Law of Conservation of Energy, her work reflects nurturing, maternal labor and spiritual transformation.
Ryan Schneider’s sculptural figures stand with power and purpose, embodying inner
reflection and mythic presence. Rising Gods, with their bold forms and animated lines, seem less like relics and more like living beings carrying ancestral stories.
César Baldaccini A leading figure of the Nouveau Réalisme movement, known for turning everyday objects into monumental sculptures. His iconic work Pouce, a giant thumb modeled after his own, transforms a mundane gesture into a powerful symbol of identity and memory.
I Was Here
ABOUT ARTSA
Established in 2021, Artsa Consultancy operates internationally with offices in Istanbul, Dubai and Paris. It provides tailored art solutions for homes, offices, institutions and exclusive projects, balancing aesthetics and budget.
Its consultants enhance collections with unique local and international artworks using their expertise and market knowledge. It works closely with clients to understand preferences, source artworks, verify authenticity and provenance, negotiate prices, and manage shipping and installation. Artsa Consultancy collaborates with a wide network of renowned galleries and artists, offering a diverse range of exceptional pieces while remaining independent.
