Contemporary Istanbul : Booth A114

25 - 28 September 2025
  • JD Malat Gallery is delighted to participate in Contemporary Istanbul in September 2025. JD Malat Gallery will present a selection of work by five distinguished artists to which examines how cultural and social landscapes are being reshaped by geopolitical and technological changes. The presentation will feature works by Colombian artist Santiago Parra (b. 1986), Ghanaian artist Kojo Marfo (b.1980) , Spanish artist Luis Olaso (b. 1986), American artist Andy Moses (b. 1962), and Chinese artist Zhang Ji (b.1978) whose diverse perspectives collectively illuminate how contemporary art navigates the shifting coordinates of our global landscape.
  • (Larger version of this image opens in a popup).
    (Larger version of this image opens in a popup).
    (Larger version of this image opens in a popup).
    (Larger version of this image opens in a popup).
    (Larger version of this image opens in a popup).
    (Larger version of this image opens in a popup).
  • Zhang Ji
    ZHANG JI, The Skin Of Truth 58, 2017, Oil on canvas , 78 3/4 x 78 3/4 in, 200 x 200 cm

    Zhang Ji

    Zhang Ji (b. 1978, China) is a contemporary artist living and working in Beijing. Zhang’s practice merges ancient symbolism with a contemporary sensibility, reinterpreting architectural motifs rooted in religious and ritualistic traditions through abstract painting. Rather than employing traditional brushstrokes, Zhang introduces intricate reliefs, exploring a visual language that challenges conventional painting techniques. His approach, akin to physical experimentation, distils a form of painting that transcends traditional boundaries. Zhang’s artistic vision is further shaped by a profound sociological engagement with religious art, as well as the influence of Western modernism. From the conceptual innovations of Marcel Duchamp and Piero Manzoni to the radical experimentation of 1960s New York conceptualism, these diverse influences inform his distinctive practice, positioning him at the intersection of tradition and contemporary abstraction.
  • Andy Moses
    ANDY MOSES, Geodesy 1102, 2021, Acrylic on canvas over circular wood panel, Diameter: 54 in , Diameter: 137.2 cm

    Andy Moses

    Andy Moses (b.1962, Los Angeles) Influenced by California culture Andy seeks to investigate colour and form through dynamic abstract works. Attending California Institute of Art in 1979 he was exposed to a plethora of creative methods including performance, film and painting. After graduating from CalArts in 1981, Andy moved to New York City where he worked as an assistant to artist Pat Steir. During this time Andy began developing an approach to process painting  incorporating both abstract and representational elements. Andy's oeuvre is marked by his investigation into the physical properties of paint. Exploring the material’s chemical reactions, viscosity interference, and gravity dispersion Andy creates elaborate compositions reminiscent of nature and its forces. 
     
    Participating in his first group show in 1986 at Artist Space entitled ‘selections’ Andy went on to hold a solo show the following year at Annina Nosei Gallery. In 2000, Andy moved back to Los Angeles and was inspired by the colours unique to the Southern California landscape serving to have a profound influence on his chromatic compositions. Continually exploring  painting processes and the interrelations between the  technical and natural world, Andy exhibits his work both nationally and internationally and is included in a multitude of institutional collections.
  • Santiago Parra
    SANTIAGO PARRA, Untitled, 2024, Acrylic on canvas, 66 1/2 x 66 1/2 in, 169 x 169 cm
     

    Santiago Parra

    Santiago Parra (b. 1986, Colombia) is known for his large, abstract and highly expressive monochromatic paintings. His canvases explore the expressive potential of pure abstraction, creating bold, sculptural brushstrokes that blend the dynamic energy of action painting with the thoughtful precision of automatism.
     
    He studied Literature at Universidad Nacional de Colombia, followed by an art education at Universidad de los Andes, Bogotá and later at the Academy of Art University to study Fine Arts in San Francisco where he also learnt about Motion Pictures and Television. This venture proceeded his journey into the Art historical narratives of action painting and the surrealist movement, more notably the study of automatism which both inform his artistic practice.
  • Luis Olaso
    LUIS OLASO, Composition for a basquet with Diego Rivera's bouquet of Callas, 2023 Oil, acrylic, oil bar and oil pastel on canvas, 78 3/4 x 63 in, 200 x 160 cm

    Luis Olaso

    Luis Olaso (b.1986, Spain) is a Spanish abstract artist currently living and working in Bilbao, Spain. Initially self-taught Luis went on to study Fine Arts at the University of the Basque Country where he developed his personal artistic style. Often working on large canvases Luis’ abstract paintings are influenced by his emotions and personal views. His artistic practice is divided into two parts: action and analysis. Working from improvisation Luis paints impulsively, creating shapes, spots, and colour planes. Once his initial impulses have been made Luis takes a step back from his work and observes it. Often analysing his compositions for hours, he discerns what does and doesn’t work. The combination of both impulsive energy and quiet contemplation allows him to reach his internal feelings more effectively producing fresh and visceral works.  Interested in the contrasts between order and chaos Luis explores the visual tension between colour, geometry, organic shapes and accidents. Often incorporating plant elements and human bodies in his paintings Luis's oeuvre is dynamic, colourful, and expressive.
  • Kojo Marfo
    KOJO MARFO, Saddle and Sceptre, 2024, Acrylic on canvas , 77 1/2 x 71 1/4 in, 197 x 181 cm
     

    Kojo Marfo

    Kojo Marfo (b.1980, Ghana) developed his interest in art and visual culture through traditional Akan artifacts, sculptures and carvings that he was exposed to as a child growing up in Ghana. These artifacts still remain a vital source of strength for Marfo. He references traditional Akan art to highlight social issues, such as inequalities, religion, politics, and spiritualism. After travelling to New York and London, Marfo has developed a unique style that encompasses his wide range of influences in an effort to express his experiences and comment on society.
     
    Marfo’s work seeks to re-establish the immense richness that is lacking in mainstream representations of African people. He hopes to explore a self-referential perspective of the Black image by creating figurative abstractions that showcase the beauty woven into Africa’s social and geographical fabric.