iGA Istanbul Airport (IST) has unveiled a new large-scale installation as part of its ongoing cultural programme, marking a key milestone in the iGA Istanbul Airport sculpture initiative. The artwork reflects the airport’s efforts to integrate art into the passenger experience while emphasising Turkey’s cultural identity and heritage.
Istanbul Airport sculpture highlights cultural positioning
The sculpture, created by artist Hayri Karay, stands 37.7 metres tall and is located at the centre of the terminal, where it is visible to passengers travelling through the hub. The installation was introduced following the iGA ART Projects Contest and is now a permanent feature of the airport.
The iGA Istanbul Airport sculpture is the result of the biennial iGA Art Projects Contest, which aims to promote Turkish art and culture to an international audience. The unveiling ceremony was attended by iGA Istanbul Airport CEO Selahattin Bilgen, artist Hayri Karay, and representatives from the arts sector.
The two-part kinetic structure combines steel with light elements, using movement and changing perspectives as core design features. Positioned centrally within the airport, the sculpture is intended to reflect the cultural diversity of Anatolia and engage passengers as they move through the terminal.
According to Bilgen, the project reflects the airport’s broader strategy of integrating art into the passenger experience.
Selahattin Bilgen stated:
“This sculpture and the project behind it push boundaries, and we’re proud to be a part of it. This colossal and iconic masterpiece is a new marker for where aviation and contemporary art intersect.”
Artist perspective and long-term installation
Artist Hayri Karay said his sculpture was designed to evolve through interaction with viewers, rather than to present a fixed meaning. He said:
“This structural sculpture differentiates itself through the relationship it establishes with the viewer. It is constantly changing and reconstructed together with the audience.”
The installation was selected from 172 entries in the 2023 competition and was dedicated to the 100th anniversary of the Republic of Turkey. Its design incorporates reflective surfaces and the use of light and shadow to create shifting visual effects that depend on the viewer’s position.
What do you think of Hayri Karay’s newly inaugurated sculpture at Istanbul Airport? Does it reflect Turkey’s culture? Let us know in the comment section below!
