Ali Akay – författare

Nobody doubts that the contemporary art of Turkey has ‘arrived’ on the international stage: Hale Tenger’s work has been bought by the Pompidou Centre; Fikret Atay features in Tate Modern’s collection; Kutlug Ataman has been nominated for the Turner Prize; and collectors flock from around the world to pick up pieces by exceptionally talented Turkish artists. 'Unleashed' is the most comprehensive account yet of the recent storm of activity in Turkey’s art scene. A sumptuously illustrated A–Z of over ninety of the most exciting Turkish contemporary artists, it contains many exclusive interviews with some of the biggest names in Turkish art, as well as such up-and-coming artists as Leyla Gediz, Emre Huner and Ali Kazmal and the Turkish diaspora. It also features interviews with and profiles of leading curators, gallerists, collectors, artist-run spaces and museums. The work of the featured artists is put into further context by three important essays written by leading curators and critics, which tackle the issues of identity, and the relationship of Turkish art to international artistic trends.