Founded in 2004 by Daryo Beskinazi, with Kerimcan Güleryüz appointed as artistic director, x-ist has always endeavoured to support young artists. In fact, it was one of the first galleries to pay so much attention to new talent and by taking risks, x-ist has been able to establish itself as one of the most influential on the scene.

Güleryüz has since parted ways with the gallery, opening his own space, The Empire Project in Taksim, and today, x-ist continues thriving in Karaköy under the directorship of Beskinazi.

The gallery stages around 10 solo and group shows per year and is active on the Istanbul and international art fair circuit. x-ist represents over a dozen Turkish artists, all at different stages of their career. Recently making a move into the global market, the gallery has two international artists on their books – Ryan Schude, a photographer from Los Angeles; and the Brazilian street artist Andre’ Ruiz de Freitas, also known as DECOLIFE – with hopes of expanding.

Other notable artists include the Dutch-Turkish photographer Ahmet Polat; the internationally-renowned artist ANSEN who produced very unique digital art which goes for substantial prices; the Ankara-born caricaturist Bahadır Baruter; Ceren Oykut, who represented x-ist at the 2013 Art Basel in Hong Kong; Ekin Saçlıoğlu; the young Adana-born artist Engin Konuklu; and the acclaimed painter Seda Hepsev.