Don’t Bite Me!

International Art Residency & Symposium, 2022 Istanbul Edition

Curated by Tima Jam

7th November – 4th December 2022

Final Exhibition: 24th November – 4th December 2022

Cocurator : Begum Guney

Coordinator: Ilayda Secer

Curator Assistant : Mihriban Yavuz, Dilara Kaya, Ayşe Başak Kurnaz, Nurşevin Sarıdağ, Sinan Kangal

Artists: Ahoo Hamedi (Iran),Alexander Votsmush (Russian), Anastasiia Danilenko (Russia), Dasha Rybina (Ukraine), Ehsan Arjmand (Iran), Elif Çelebi (Turkey), Hannes Schauer (Austria), Horacio Quiroz (Mexico), Ian Rayer-Smith (England), Johan Söderström (Norway), Kambiz Sabri (Iran), Levent Oyluçtarhan (Turkey), Liviu Mihai (Romania), Mahdieh Abolhassan (Iran), Mahsa Karimi (Iran), Mahsa Karimizadeh (Iran), Mauro Di Silvestre (Italy), Nenad Gajic (Serbia), Noa Ironic (Israel), Parisa Taghipour (Iran), Sema Barlas (Turkey), Saimir Ahmeti (Albania), Zahra Mohamadi (Iran).

Blue Rhino Art Consultancy is delighted to present the second edition of the “Don’t Bite Me!” International Art Residency & Symposium. The Residency curated by Tima Jam brings 23 international artist from 11 different countries to Istanbul, Türkiye where they have created their art works for the first two weeks of the residency and are now going to have their final exhibition at Akaretler no:55 between 24th of November and 4th of December.

After its first edition in 2019 in Napoli; following the concept of its originating program, “Don’t Bite Me” 2022 has at its core a philosophical interrogation of the potential tensions, risks, and downfalls inherent in human connections, in trusting a friend, lover, or family member. This year the residency will steer away from the negativity interrogated in the 2019 installment and set the unifying quality of relationships as the focus of the residency.

While the residency explores the unifying aspects of a relationship in the artworks, it also aims to create the same unity within the art community. Bringing artist from east and west in central location for all. Overall, Blue Rhino is committed to creating an inclusive environment for global collaboration, generating inspiration for original and unique art, curating diverse artworks, and supporting artists worldwide, regardless of their location, ethnicity, or religion.

During this residency the 23 artists that was chosen from 200 applicants get a chance to share the same space and interact with each other during their creation process. Artists have completed this initial creation process in Vialand Hotel Palace where they stayed and worked. As a part of this period they have went on field trips to explore Istanbul, its’ historical beauties and its’ galleries and exhibitions. Artist have not only used this period to take inspiration and create artworks but also to be a part of the community in Istanbul. Blue Rhino, has organized several workshops and art talks in collaboration with Soho House Istanbul. Furthermore, the residency program also organized a workshop collaboration with the Municipality of Gaziosmanpasa which aimed to inspire young art students and give them a unique opportunity to connect with international artist.

Following this initial phase, the residency has relocated itself to Akaretler no:55 where they will exhibit their art works with the sponsorship of Bilgili Holding. The opening and the private viewing of the exhibition will take place on the 24th of November and following that, the Official Party will be hosted at W Hotel in collaboration with What If Events. The exhibition will be open to public from 25th of November until the closing on the 4th of November and will conclude with a closing party on the 4th at the exhibition location.

About Blue Rhino Art Consultancy

Blue Rhino is an international organisation that is committed to creating an inclusive environment for global collaboration, generating inspiration for original and unique art, curating diverse artworks, and supporting artists worldwide, regardless of their location, ethnicity, or religion. Blue Rhino has built strong relations with Tourism and Art and Cultural Ministries, municipalities, local galleries, private sector businesses, embassies, academics, and universities across the world. By partnering with cultural institutions in host countries, we aim to enhance the experience of international art world networking for our artists and collaborators, whilst encouraging the appreciation of local contemporary art and culture.

About the Curator

Born in Iran, 1980, Tima Jam was brought up in the southern Iranian town of Bushehr. From an early age, Tima developed a passion and interest in the fine arts, beginning her career as a painter before going on to study history of art. Tima founded Blue Rhino Art Consultancy in 2016, launching branches in Turkey, Iran and UK. Being well-aware of the lack of representation for minority ethnic groups in the art world, Blue Rhino was established with the intention of providing homegrown artistic talent with a sense of belonging and inclusion. With 20 years worth of experience as a gallerist, art director, and curator, Tima is continually devoted to discovering both emerging and established global artists, at the heart of which is her own love and passion for the arts.