“Till It’s Gone”, the first major exhibition of 2016 at Istanbul Modern, presents works by artists who undertake conceptual research on nature and focus on ecological issues in their practices. The artists are from different geographies and generations, and have deep and complex relationships with the concept of sustainability. They offer diverse insights pertaining to humanity’s interactions with the ecosystem.

The exhibition’s title is borrowed from the lyrics of “Big Yellow Taxi,” a song by the singer-songwriter and visual artist Joni Mitchell. The song emphasizes this simple fact about the environment: “you don’t know what you’ve got till it’s gone.” With its up-tempo, exuberant melody, the song expresses a degree of optimism and enthusiasm that we certainly all need today.

Participants: Roger Ackling, Bas Jan Ader, Alper Aydın, Bingyi, Jasmin Blasco and Pico Studio, Charles A. A. Dellschau, Elmas Deniz, Mark Dion, Hamish Fulton, Francesco Garnier Valletti, Rodney Graham, ikonoTV “Art Speaks Out”, Lars Jan, Mario Merz, Maro Michalakakos, Joni Mitchell, Yoko Ono*, Camila Rocha, Canan Tolon, Pae White |[Excerpt from press release.] Photo Credits: Chroma. Last two photos by Elmas Deniz.