As part of a series of visiting art exhibitions in Istanbul commemoratng the 400th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Netherlands and Turkey, Istanbul Modern is hosting a selection of artworks from the Boijmans Van Beuningen Museum. The museum, founded in Rotterdam in 1849, is renowned for its extensive collection of art ranging from the 16th century to the present day. The exhibition, curated by Sjarel Ex (the director of the Boijmans Van Beuningen Museum), is in three parts: “Encounters in History,” “Personal Encounters,” and “Public Encounters.”

The first part is comprised of artworks depicting commercial, diplomatic, and military encounters between the West (including but not limited to the Netherlands) and the Ottoman Empire, in addition to works like 16th century painter Joachim Patinir’s stunning Bosch-like canvas “The Destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah.”

The second section contains works, chiefly in the medium of film, dealing with comic as well as serious aspects of contemporary life as experienced by individuals, with contributions by Finland’s Salla Tykka, South Africa’s Zwelethu Mthethwa, Bruce Nauman and Vito Acconci from the USA, and others.

The exhibition’s final section deals with political and other conflicts in today’s world, such as the recent war in the former Yugoslavia (by Albanian Anri Sala and Bosnian-Herzegovinian Šejla Kamerić); the situation of intellectuals in China (by Yang Fudong); gang violence (by Frenchman Cyprien Gaillard), and more.

There will also be a video of a performance by the Canadian dance company La La La Human Steps, from which the exhibition takes its name.

The complete list of participating artists is as follows: Vito Acconci, Bas Jan Ader, Yael Bartana, Sebald Beham, Erhard Schön, Niklas Stoer, John Bock, David Claerbout, Pieter Coecke van Aelst, Peter Feiler, Yang Fudong, Cyprien Gaillard, Sejla Kameric, Paul Kooiker, Inez van Lamsweerde, Erik van Lieshout, Aernout Mik, Melvin Moti, Zwelethu Mthethwa, Bruce Nauman, Joachim Patinir, Anri Sala, Cindy Sherman, Salla Tykka, Marijke van Warmerdam, Andro Wekua, Guido van der Werve, and Sylvie Zijlmans.

When: February 17 – May 5

How much: From the venue: 14 TL; 7 TL (concession).