Zilberman expands Young Fresh Different
Zilberman’s Young Fresh Different (YFD) has grown significantly since its inception in 2009, expanding from its original base in Istanbul to Berlin and Miami in 2024. This expansion marks a new chapter for the gallery, reflecting its commitment to engaging with diverse artistic communities and providing opportunities for artists across the globe.
The purpose of YFD is to provide a platform for creatives, fostering dialogue between them and the gallery. Initially launched to connect with young artists in Turkey, YFD has evolved into an annual group exhibition curated by an independent jury. This year, the event features artists based in Turkey, Germany, and Florida, with exhibitions held in Istanbul, Berlin, and Miami.
In Istanbul, the exhibition (July 24—August 30, 2024) showcases the work of fourteen artists selected by a jury based on authenticity, conceptual framework, technique, and execution. The selected artists represent the dynamic contemporary art scene in Turkey, with works ranging from painting to site specific installations to interactive artworks. The focus of the selection was mainly to support artists with emerging status, giving them the opportunity to gain visibility while presenting their work in a professional gallery environment.
Berlin’s first edition of YFD (July 18—August 24) used the theme of potentiality as a starting point for their open call. The resulting show titled “You say I have unlimited potential. I disagree,” features eleven artists whose works explore the concept of potential from various perspectives. The selection committee considered the concept, execution, artist statement, and connection to the theme. The resulting exhibition includes diverse mediums such as mixed media, installation, performance, and digital art, highlighting the experimental nature of Berlin’s art scene.
In Miami (June 28th-August 23th), the first edition of YFD was organized in collaboration with Fountainhead Arts and features fifteen artists from various backgrounds, heritages, and geographies, reflecting Florida’s diversity and multiculturalism. The works explore themes of identity, self-exploration, cultural patrimony, and memory, using their personal narratives to mirror the multicultural tapestry of the region. The show invites viewers to engage with the perspectives and experiences of the artists, offering a glimpse into the artistic practices shaping the local contemporary art scene.
Each YFD exhibition is curated to reflect the unique characteristics of its location while maintaining the overarching goal of supporting and promoting young artists. By offering these artists a platform to showcase their work, Zilberman fosters a global dialogue within the contemporary art community. The expansion of YFD to Berlin and Miami underscores the gallery’s commitment to nurturing emerging talent and engaging with new audiences, ensuring that the voices of young artists are heard and celebrated across different cultural contexts.
