Still Paris And Ertuğrul Ateş
Art Historian, VIP Relations Manager of Contemporary Istanbul Art Fair, Istanbul
Itir Lir Tan, vibrant Istanbul based art historian, Museologist and curator, is on the go – she is preparing the top-class VIP programme for the 10th edition of Contemporary Istanbul in November. She snatched some time off to tell us that Ali Güreli is the perfect art world gentleman, and talked about Byzantine art and how to relax after a long day at the fair…
What does your ideal working outfit look like?
I love being comfortable at work, especially if it is going to be a long office day. Depending on the weather, I love to wear simple one piece dresses with comfortable shoes or high waisted mini skirts with simple shirts.
What’s best: heels or flats? Which brand or style?
During the day when I work at the office flat shoes are definitely the best! On summers and springs I usually wear espadrilles or babettes. As I am 177cm tall, I wear my high heels only on special occasions like openings and for some special nights out. I like any brands which are looking classy and comfortable.
What’s your favorite art-related blog or app?
There are many international art blogs and web-sites that I am reading everyday like; The Art News, Le Journal des Arts, Artnet News and also some Turkish and Greek online art newspapers. But my favorite art-related blog is liryum.com.
What was the last thing you bought and loved?
I bought sporty chic summer sandals, a new bikini and a white beach dress for my Aegean holidays which are next week.
What is/are your personal style signifier(s)/identifier(s)?
I have a classic side where I combine vintage and classic style shoes, bags and jewelry. I love 70s and I also have this special love for “Renaissance Era and style”. I love different and funny accessories like colorful phone covers, note pads, agendas and note book covers, pens etc…
What’s your necessary extravagance?
My beauty and cleaning creams, my “beauty salon sessions” every week and off course lingerie.
Three things/products you always need to have in your purse?
My Korres Anti-Fatigue eye mask, my Lancome Virtuose mascara and my new addiction Rimmel lipstick.
What’s your ultimate beauty secret after long working hours?
Cold shower and lifting my legs up to the wall for 20 minutes while closing my eyes and trying to think of nothing.
What’s/are your favourite work(s) of art?
I have many favorite work of art but I am falling in love temporarily with specific art works. For example these days I am extremely attracted by nomad Turkish arts like art from Central Asia and my favorite art work is absolutely the“Carpet of Pazırık” the oldest carpet of the world, dated to 5th Century B.C, found in a tomb in the Altai Mounts. This carpet is an amazing “wonder” and today can be seen in St. Petersburg Hermitage Museum.
What in the art world are you most excited about at the moment?
As I am a part of the Contemporary Istanbul team, I am very excited and looking forward to have this great art event in Istanbul on November. We are working on a very exciting VIP programme for art lovers who will be visiting Contemporary Istanbul 2015 this year. As we will celebrate the 10th Edition of the fair this year, it is even more attractive and exciting. The fair will gather together all contemporary art professionals from all around the world in Istanbul.
Most sexiest art person?
When art is deep, exciting and inspiring, it is the most sexiest thing on earth!
Where are you off to next?
Soon, I will be in Bodrum which is one of the most beautiful Aegean cities in Turkey for my summer holidays. As it is very easy and close to go, I am also planning to visit some Greek Islands.
Where is your next art trip/travel going to be?
I am looking forward for the 14th Istanbul Biennial on September and also the 10th Edition of Contemporary Istanbul Art Fair on November in Istanbul.
In your eyes: what is the most arty city?
In my eyes Paris is and remains the most arty city because of its art-centered life-style, with all its great museum exhibitions, gallery vernissages and its fairs.
Someone you have in mind to call the perfect artworld gentlemen?
Ali Güreli, an important Turkish contemporary art collector, also the founder and chairman of Contemporary Istanbul is a perfect artworld gentleman.
Which artist should we have on our watchlist?
Ertuğrul Ateş, a very well-known and important Turkish Contemporary artist and Mohammed Zaza, a young Syrian artist living and working in Turkey are on my watch list so they should be in yours too.
Instagram: @lyra_liryum
Website: www.liryum.com
Photos: by Itir Lir TAN
