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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.

Juk ayak

Stand. Wood, bone, carving, inlay. Central Kazakhstan. • Saba on a saba ayak stand.

Жукаяк.

Zhukayak is a wooden stand with legs, decorated on the front side. Blankets and household items stored in covers were neatly stacked on the zhukayak; chests were placed on top of each other, sometimes with a large one at the bottom and smaller ones on top. The word “zhuk” means “hill” – the mountains of household goods testified to the family’s prosperity. One or even several zhukayak were placed in a row behind the place of honour, the “tor”. The ornaments on the front side of the zhukyak were made using carving, inlay and bone overlay techniques, decorative painting and were complemented with silver or metal plaques. Elements with auspicious meanings were used to construct the ornamental composition: koshkar muiz (ram’s horns), kus muryn (bird’s beak), etc.