Bringing art and nature together in a unique atmosphere, Bodrum Loft is hosting another world-renowned gallery this summer—Almine Rech Gallery—following previous collaborations with KÖNIG Galerie, Perrotin, and Thaddaeus Ropac.
Organized in collaboration with Artsa Consultancy, the opening of Almine Rech’s “I Was Here” exhibition—marking the gallery’s first exhibition in Türkiye—brought art lovers together in Bodrum. Almine Rech operates galleries in Paris, Brussels, London, New York, Monaco, and Shanghai.
Featuring seven works by five artists and running until August 31, 2025, the exhibition brings together renowned artists such as César Baldaccini, Agustín Cárdenas, Ryan Schneider, Tia-Thuy Nguyen, and Alejandro Cardenas, offering visitors a world-class art experience immersed in nature.
Located in Demirbükü Bay, Bodrum Loft continues to stand out with its nature-integrated modern architecture, refined cuisine, and distinctive atmosphere, offering art lovers an international art experience this year as it does every season.
Having previously hosted world-famous galleries such as KÖNIG Galerie, Perrotin, and Thaddaeus Ropac in collaboration with Artsa Consultancy, Bodrum Loft now welcomes “I Was Here,” the first exhibition in Türkiye by Almine Rech, whose galleries span Paris, Brussels, London, New York, Monaco, and Shanghai. The exhibition focuses on moments that continue to exist after us and leave traces behind, aiming to remind viewers of human presence and the marks it leaves.
Organized in collaboration with Artsa Consultancy, the opening of Almine Rech’s “I Was Here (Buradaydım)”, the gallery’s first exhibition in Türkiye, brought art lovers together in Bodrum.
Curated by Selcan Atılgan, founder of Artsa Consultancy, the exhibition “I Was Here” marks its first presentation in Türkiye at Bodrum Loft between July 9 and August 31, 2025, featuring seven works by five artists. Bringing together artists such as César Baldaccini, Agustín Cárdenas, Ryan Schneider, Tia-Thuy Nguyen, and Alejandro Cardenas, the exhibition focuses on moments that continue to exist after us and leave traces behind. Shaped around a breath, a touch, and a form of existence that remains in the moment, the exhibition defines itself not by demand but by awareness—like a fingerprint left on a surface or a memory left in a heart—echoing the phrase: “I was here, don’t forget.”
César Baldaccini, known for transforming everyday objects into large-scale sculptures, is represented in the exhibition with his iconic work Pouce. A monumental sculpture of the artist’s own thumb, the piece transforms an ordinary gesture into both a personal and powerful form. As one of the leading figures of the Nouveau Réalisme movement, César’s works both represent our memories and seek to secure a lasting place within them.
Agustín Cárdenas completed his artistic education in Havana before joining the Group of Eleven, which challenged figurative and academic traditions. His sculptural language, developed through wood, bronze, and marble, merges fluid abstraction with symbolic figures. His forms—resembling shells, totems, or passages—evoke intuitive, sensory, and almost fairy-tale-like memories. In Cárdenas’s works, existence seems to stand at the edge of time, shaped as both silhouette and spirit.
Alejandro Cardenas constructs a state of existence beyond the human through humanoid figures. His background in design and art brings elements of magical realism, surrealism, and a refined graphic language into his work. His patterned, anonymous figures convey emotion through body language, opening a deep space for reflection even within seemingly cold environments. Each figure appears as part of a larger presence, as if leaving a trace within the space it inhabits.
Tia-Thuy Nguyen’s works give new life and meaning to dead oak trees by covering them with fabric. Buddhist philosophy, the Law of Conservation of Energy, and a gentle desire for compassionate transformation stand out in her practice. Through protection and regeneration, motherhood and spiritual labor also become integral parts of her art. Nguyen’s work feels like a breath suspended between life and death, uniting what is lost with what remains.
Ryan Schneider’s figures, with their powerful stances, represent both inner inquiry and an expression of presence. With their dynamic lines, these sculptures create a myth-like atmosphere and render emotions visible. His Rising Gods, reminiscent of cultural rituals, appear not as relics of the past but as living, embodied beings. Rather than telling a story, they carry the story within themselves.
Praised by leading international publications and quickly becoming one of Bodrum’s most iconic destinations, Bodrum Loft opened its doors in the summer of 2020 as an investment of the Akfen Group. Located in Demirbükü Bay, this unique resort offers guests an unforgettable holiday experience with its nature-respecting modern architecture and distinctive ambiance. Offering a differentiated accommodation experience through its unique reservation system, Bodrum Loft also features branded dining venues such as Loft Elia, Paper Moon Bodrum Loft, The Pantry, and Ters Köşe. Since its opening, Bodrum Loft has hosted various art and cultural events in collaboration with leading global institutions, offering guests not only a vacation but also a rich cultural experience.
Founded in 2021, Artsa Consultancy operates internationally with offices in Istanbul, Dubai, and Paris. It provides tailor-made art solutions for homes, offices, institutions, and special projects, balancing aesthetics and budget. With its expertise and market knowledge, Artsa introduces collectors to unique local and international artworks.
Artsa sources artworks by understanding its clients’ tastes and needs; meticulously examines the authenticity and provenance of works; manages pricing processes; and organizes logistics and installation stages. Maintaining its independent structure, Artsa Consultancy collaborates with a broad network of distinguished galleries and artists, offering a diverse selection of high-quality works.
