Biography of the artist

Born in Izmir, Turkey. 1960
Works and Lives in Istanbul, Turkey


In her wide-ranging practice, Hale Tenger explores the power dynamics and tensions between the state and the individual, to present a nuanced critique of the social condition of her native Turkey. A signature is the creation of immersive physical experiences for the viewer, ones that require and even turn on viewer participation. Select solo exhibitions include: We didn't go outside; we were always on the outside/ We didn’t go inside; we were always on the inside, Protocinma, NY (2015); Swinging on the Stars, Galeri Nev, Istanbul (2013); Perspectives: Beirut, Smithsonian Institute, Washington (2011); Balloons on the Sea, Green Art Gallery, Dubai (2011); Never Never Land, Mannheimer Kuntsverein, Mannheim (2001); and The Closet, ArtPace, San Antonio, Texas (1997). Her work has been featured in prominent international institutions including Centre Pompidou, Paris, Art Gallery of Western Australia, ARTER, Istanbul, Neuer Berliner Kunsverein, Berlin, Boghassian Foundation, Brussels, Istanbul Modern, Istanbul, Espace Culturel Louis Vuitton, Paris, Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen, Rotterdam, Thyssen-Bornemisza Art Contemporary, Vienna, Martin-Gropius-Bau, Berlin, Seoul Museum of Art, Seoul, Palais des Beaux Arts de Lille, Lille, Carré d’Art-Nimes Museum of Contemporary Art, Nimes, Museum voor Moderne Kunst Arnhem, Arnhem, Van Abbemuseum, Eindhoven, Protocinema, New York, and the New Museum of Contemporary Art, New York. Tenger has also participated in various biennials including the 3rd and 4th Istanbul Biennial (1992 & 1995); São Paulo Biennial (1994); Manifesta 1, Rotterdam (1996), 2nd Johannesburg Biennial (1998), Gwangju Biennial (2000), 8th Havana Biennial (2003), 1st Haifa Mediterranean Biennial (2010).