Istanbul-based Dirimart is delighted to announce the launch of a new gallery space in London’s Mayfair district. Set to open this year, the new gallery features two floors, including the ground floor, and offers 275 square metres of exhibition space. This prime location in Mayfair, renowned for its rich concentration of globally acclaimed art galleries, places Dirimart at the centre of London’s dynamic art scene.
Founded in 2002 by Hazer Özil, Dirimart already operates two exhibition spaces in Istanbul and has become a significant platform for both established and emerging artists. The gallery was formed with a vision to showcase artists from Turkey alongside international artists in a context that fosters critical dialogue and cultural exchange. Through its participation in esteemed global art events such as Photo London, Frieze Sculpture, La Biennale di Venezia, Art Cologne, ART SG and The Armory Show, Dirimart has earned a distinguished place on the international art stage. Boasting an impressive roster of artists, including renowned names from Turkey, Ayşe Erkmen, İnci Eviner, Sarkis, and Nuri Bilge Ceylan, alongside international figures such as Shirin Neshat, Sarah Morris, and Tomokazu Matsuyama, Dirimart’s debut on the London art scene is eagerly anticipated.
The gallery’s expansion to London marks a significant milestone for Dirimart as it broadens its presence to engage with an international audience. Hazer Özil emphasises the significance of opening a new gallery in London, stating that:
“At Dirimart, expanding our collaboration with artists has always been central to our vision. Alongside our publishing initiatives and commitment to fostering critical dialogue, we strive to create a truly inclusive and international platform. While our origins are rooted in Turkey, our London gallery aims to establish itself as a global space, embracing diversity in our artistic roster rather than being confined by geographic boundaries. Opening the London space represents a bold step forward in advancing our international aspirations and solidifying our identity as a global gallery.”
The renovation of the space is being overseen by New York-based architectural firm studioMDA, spearheaded by Markus Dochantschi, a German-born architect renowned for his design of numerous prestigious gallery spaces throughout New York. Dochantschi’s renovation of 23 Princes Street, where he has masterfully combined modern aesthetics with the historic charm of Mayfair, marks his first gallery project in London. studioMDA’s design of the gallery space embodies their philosophical approach to the art world, promoting literal and institutional transparency. The gallery street front features two large windows with sightlines into the main ground floor galleries. Visitors will enter into a lobby fitted with a welcome desk and library alcove, featuring books on Dirimart’s artists and past exhibitions.
Dirimart’s inaugural exhibition and 2025 program, set to be announced later this year, will position the new gallery space as a hub for supporting emerging artists with ties to Turkey, while exploring themes such as intergenerational exchange, regional and individual diversity, and global collaboration. Levent Özmen, Director of Dirimart London, offers insight into what audiences can expect from the new space, commenting that:
“As a gallery that has hosted the first shows in Istanbul of internationally recognised artists such as Shirin Neshat, Sarah Morris, Candida Höfer, and Hermann Nitsch, and published remarkable monographs on Ayşe Erkmen, Sarkis, Bedri Rahmi Eyüboğlu and Nuri Bilge Ceylan, our aim has always been to create cross-geographical dialogues. With the opening of our new gallery in London, we are excited to build on this legacy, presenting fresh exhibitions and ambitious projects that connect our artists with the city’s dynamic art scene and its diverse and engaged audience.”
