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Traditional and contemporary art of Kazakhstan

A Virtual Journey into the World of Kazakhstan’s Artistic Heritage

This Web Gallery presents the diversity of artistic practices in Kazakhstan, reflecting the continuity of cultural traditions and the dynamic development of contemporary creative processes. The virtual exhibition features works based on national images, symbols, and themes, as well as artworks by contemporary artists who reinterpret the country’s cultural heritage through contemporary artistic forms, expressive means, and modern technologies.

The selected works demonstrate the relationship between traditional and contemporary art, revealing the distinctive features of the national worldview, cultural identity, and cultural meanings. The presented materials allow viewers to trace how elements of historical and cultural heritage are reflected in contemporary artistic practice, while maintaining their significance and relevance in an increasingly globalized world.

The Web Gallery is aimed at promoting Kazakhstan’s artistic heritage, expanding public access to works of art, and fostering a lasting interest in national culture and art among a wide audience.

Tekemet Decorated with the Ebelek Motif, 2017. Zh.T. Bolegenova

Suraganova

Текемет с солярными розетками ебелек ою (Болегенова Ж.)

Tekemet is a traditional Kazakh felt carpet.The compositional centre of the carpet consists of swirling rosettes with the ebelek oyu motif, reminiscent of the ancient solar cult. The solar motif of the rosette – a left-sided swastika with smooth spiral branches emanating from the centre (tetraskelion), characteristic of the south-western and western groups of Kazakhs, reproduces the most ancient symbol of eternal motion and the element of fire. The motifs, rhombuses and central field of the carpet are highlighted with a thin white border, contrasting with the yellow and red.The colour of the carpet matches its ornamental design – white, red and yellow reinforce its solar theme.The border complements the composition, completing it with a meandering pattern in the form of a running wave – irek in negative and positive variations – kos zhely.