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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.

Kasaba 20th c.

Women’s headdress. 20th century. Aktobe Museum of Local History

Касаба.

The base of the piece is made of an expensive fabric — red velvet — which gives the headdress an elegant and ceremonial appearance. The kasaba’s construction comprises frontal, parietal and occipital sections, forming an elongated shape with an extended rear element. The entire surface of the headdress is decorated with embroidery created by twisting coloured threads. This technique allows for the creation of raised ornamental lines and emphasises the decorative expressiveness of the pattern.The ornamental composition is symmetrical and features traditional Kazakh motifs in the form of flowing scrolls and plant elements. The main decorative focus is on the forehead and upper parts of the headdress, where large ornamental forms are placed within rounded and elongated contours. Such patterns reflect a striving for harmony, rhythm and the stylisation of natural forms.The elongated rear section of the kasaba is finished with a decorative tassel, which serves as an additional embellishment. The colour scheme is based on the contrast between the red velvet background and the light-coloured embroidery, thanks to which the ornament stands out clearly against the fabric.