Dr. Selin Yılmaz
Senior Curator

Dr. Selin
Yılmaz

"Transforming hospitality spaces through the soul of contemporary art, creating immersive cultural narratives for the modern traveler."

Contemporary Turkish Art Site-Specific Installations Collection Management Art Strategy

Biography

Education

PhD in Art History, Sorbonne University

Locations

Istanbul & Paris

Languages

English, Turkish, French

Dr. Selin Yılmaz is an internationally recognized curator specializing in the intersection of luxury hospitality and contemporary art. With a doctorate from the Sorbonne, her approach combines rigorous academic insight with a deep understanding of the commercial needs of high-end hotel environments.

Over the past fifteen years, she has curated over 40 permanent collections for luxury hotels across Europe and the Middle East. Her philosophy centers on 'Narrative Curation'—the belief that art should not just decorate a space, but tell a story that connects the guest to the local culture and heritage in a profound, contemporary way.

She has been a vocal advocate for emerging Turkish artists, frequently commissioning site-specific works that bridge traditional craft with avant-garde aesthetics. Her work has been featured in Architectural Digest, Wallpaper*, and Artforum.

Featured Projects

A selection of curated hotel environments

View all projects
The Bosphorus Heritage
View Case Study

The Bosphorus Heritage

Istanbul, Turkey

Curated a collection of 150+ works from local ceramicists and digital artists exploring maritime themes.

L'Atelier Hotel
View Case Study

L'Atelier Hotel

Paris, France

A site-specific installation project focusing on the golden age of French surrealism reinvented for a boutique setting.

Aegean Sands Resort
View Case Study

Aegean Sands Resort

Bodrum, Turkey

Outdoor sculpture garden and beachside galleries featuring weather-resistant avant-garde installations.

Collaborator Notes

"Dr. Yılmaz doesn't just hang paintings; she creates an atmosphere. Our guest satisfaction scores regarding 'unique ambiance' increased by 40% after her intervention."

Marcus Thorne

Marcus Thorne

General Manager, The Grand Plaza

"Her eye for emerging talent is unmatched. She helped us build a collection that has tripled in value over five years, while becoming a core part of our brand identity."

Sofia Belucci

Sofia Belucci

Creative Director, Belucci Hospitality

Start your art journey today.

Ready to elevate your hospitality space? Schedule a discovery call with Dr. Selin Yılmaz to discuss your project vision and curation needs.

curation@artLovershotels.com
Available for projects starting Q3 2024

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