His Role as Art Consultant
İsmail Acar was involved in the design process from the very beginning, crafting an artistic language in harmony with the soul of the spaces. He reinterpreted the layered history of Sultanahmet and the centuries-old rituals of Istanbul through a contemporary lens.
This approach resulted in a visual atlas—an artistic narrative that enhances the spatial experience and builds an emotional connection with the guest.
Artistic Vision and Concept
Acar’s artistic philosophy blends traditional Turkish aesthetics with contemporary techniques. His works often focus on the following themes:
• Ottoman miniature tradition
• Rituals of daily life
• Belief, ceremony, marketplace, and water culture
• Ancient cities and historical storytelling
For this project, Acar adapted his color palette to match the hotel’s interior tones and employed modern materials such as gold leaf, pigment-based paints, and smoked glass printing—creating a sense of timeless depth.
Placement and Execution
Under Acar’s artistic direction, his works were installed throughout the hotel in carefully curated locations:
• Corridor walls: Scenes depicting Istanbul’s ritual culture
• Elevator lobbies: Abstract compositions enhancing flow and transition
• Room entrances: Evocative pieces inspired by Istanbul’s nighttime skyline
Each floor was designed as a narrative chapter. Every artwork encountered at eye level served as both a visual invitation and a silent storyteller.
About İsmail Acar
İsmail Acar is one of the leading figures in contemporary Turkish art. Known for his exhibitions in Turkey and abroad, his works are featured in renowned collections from the Louvre to Tokyo, New York to Vienna. His artistic vision centers on telling the stories of the East using the techniques of the West.
The RITUS project stands as a distinguished example of his narrative-driven approach to art in public spaces.
“Art is not a luxury; it is a ritual that carries lived experiences into the future.”
— İsmail Acar
