Ever since the first Istanbul Biennial in 1987, art has been an essential driver of cultural and civil dynamics. This long development has led to a critical mass which, in an abstract sense, has now manifested itself in the exhibition 'Hot Spot Istanbul' - a group project on Turkish abstract and conceptual art. Held in the Zurich-based Museum Haus Konstruktiv in summer 2013, this is the first comprehensive exhibition featuring a new generation of artists, dealing equally with local roots and global artistic questions. The exhibition and accompanying catalogue give a tangible impression of the city's vibrant energy - a city that has been extremely cosmopolitan for many generations. 'Hot Spot Istanbul' makes one thing very clear: this megalopolis is a bridge, not a border.