Words Allison Reiber DiLiegroImages Marco Argüello
When Yasemin stumbled upon the 19th-century structure in Pera—a vibrant, gallery-filled neighborhood in the city’s center—she envisioned a place where she could merge hospitality, creativity, and art. “We decided to bring this historic building back to life.”
The Vargi family has been in the hospitality business for two decades, with Yasemin working on the strategic direction of the hotels since the early days of her career. But with Casa Foscolo, Yasemin brings her own vision to life for the first time. “Ever since I was a child, I wanted to be an artist,” Yasemin tells us. “So, I also bring my artistic side to our business projects.”
An art curator as well as an artist, Yasemin likes to put together exhibitions in public spaces so they reach more people
A detail at the entrance of Casa Foscolo
At Casa Foscolo, art is the through-line. There is an in-house gallery that hosts local and international exhibitions and an outpost of Minoa, Istanbul’s favorite independent bookstore, that sells art books on the ground floor. The rooms and public spaces are decorated with artwork from her own collection. “Pera is a lively, artsy neighborhood,” she says, “so I see the hotel as a home to those who value an urban experience embedded with art, culture, and comfort.” We sat down with Yasemin to talk about her own artwork, some of the prized pieces in her collection, and her favorite galleries around the neighborhood.
It’s a historical building, and restoration is hard work. Our goal was to put the façade and several interior elements in line with the original architecture. We preserved the staircase, some of the walls, and the frescos. While we kept our focus on the architectural integrity, we also tried to create a welcoming space that is elegant and refined, but still cozy. I’ve learned a lot, so it’s been a great experience.
My art has evolved over the years across different media. I first began with charcoal drawings and acrylic painting during college. In recent years, I started experimenting with watercolor. I usually do drawings with ink pen and then use watercolors to give vibrancy and depth to my illustrations.
The staircase from the original structure was preserved
My primary source of inspiration is nature. I love the shapes and colors of flowers, and I usually reflect that in my works.
The South of France inspires me a lot. I love the landscape there—the scenery in the hills and mountains. I live between Istanbul and the South of France, so I have a lot of chances to visit the places I like.
Van Gogh.
As a ritual, Yasemin likes to put on music and arrange flowers
The view from Yasemin’s home, overlooking the Bosphorus
This is difficult to answer because I don't love to talk about myself, but I would say curious, honest, and humanitarian.
My journey with the foundation began with my father’s take on the environmental challenge back in 2015. Our goal is to create a cleaner environment by promoting behavioral change: to eliminate littering, reduce waste, and ensure proper disposal. I’ve been serving on the board for several years and I’ve been focused on driving social awareness around environmental issues.
I chose pieces that would fit the overall philosophy and concept of Casa Foscolo. I also made sure that the artist mix and the collection represent the vibrant, multicultural nature of the hotel. Some pieces have been collected from various art galleries from all over the world particularly for Casa Foscolo, while others have always been in my personal living space with me.
I also commissioned works for the hotel. For example, we commissioned female artists Sahika Altinsoy, Filiz Piyale Onat and Dilara Yegen to create works for all the bedrooms and inside the elevator. We also worked with artist Hakan Ozdil to create murals on every floor at the staircase. So it’s a variety.
Two were hard to let go of, but I see Casa Foscolo as a second home. I like to share my artworks with people, so I thought it was a good time to let them say “hello” to a new place.
One particular piece is by a Brazilian artist, Rafael Silveira. It’s a green painting of a woman who is made of a cactus flower. I find the framing very interesting and unique, and the colors really match. It’s next to the reception desk.
Inside the studio of Server Demirtas, a local artist who creates kinetic sculptures
Dissonância by Brazilian artist, Rafael Silveira
It’s by Oleg Dou. It was one of the first artworks I got for myself. It’s a pig girl, and it’s part of my collection of lucky pigs.
I got the first one when I was a baby, and then I collected them from all over the world. Some were given to me as gifts from friends and family because everyone knows I love pigs. Whenever someone sees a pig, they think of me. So, they come in all mediums and in all sizes and I think they bring luck.
Pig from the Cubs series by Oleg Dou
Every week I get fresh flowers, turn on some music in the background, and arrange them. It’s like a meditation for me. I’m planning to make some arrangements for the hotel.
I love all kinds of food, but if it came down to choosing one, I would say manti, a type of Turkish ravioli. But the meal wouldn't be complete without loved ones, of course. Manti is like a family tradition in Turkey. On Sundays, we like to get together and eat manti. It’s our comfort food.
Yasemin learned to arrange flowers from her mother
Focuses on projects that center on critical thinking and experimentation and aim to present a new aesthetic. The gallery contributes to the artistic landscape by participating in many international art fairs and initiatives.
A newly opened gallery that focuses on showcasing international artists alongside Istanbul's own, bridging the region's history.
Emphasizes established artists while offering a selection of unique and innovative abstract, contemporary, and performative artworks in exhibitions.
Displays great works from emerging and established artists both local and international. Plays an important role in the local art scene.
Among the galleries that played an important role in the development of contemporary art in Turkey for more than 35 years. The exhibitions were held mainly with 20th-century modern Turkish artists. The gallery promotes diversity in terms of both technique and content.
Hosts many creative projects and brings together artists that work with a wide range of media.
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