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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.

Saukele. 2021. Oil on canvas. From the artist’s personal archive

Akanayev Amandos

Аканаев Амандос. Саукеле. 2021 г. Холст, масло. Из личного архива художника

The central axis of the painting is the figure of the bride, around whom the entire composition is arranged. The vertical line of her tall saukele coincides precisely with the shanyraq, transforming it into a symbolic ‘eye of the sky’ and emphasising the bride’s connection with the cosmos. Through this opening, a blue sky with pink clouds is revealed, bringing a sense of air and living nature into the dense ornamental structure.The background is constructed as an ornamental labyrinth of traditional Kazakh patterns. Geometric shapes and plant motifs intertwine, creating the effect of a quraq korpe — a patchwork quilt symbolising the multi-layered nature of life and the accumulated history of the clan and family.The image of the bride occupies a central position. Her gaze is concealed by jewellery, lending the figure an air of mystery. Overall, the image of the bride is perceived as a centre of harmony, connecting the earthly and the heavenly.