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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.

Mahabbat, 2018. Oil on canvas. Source: www.ounce.group

Ilsuayar Kazakova

Казакова Ильсуяр. Махаббат, 2018 г. Холст, масло

The work offers a symbolic and metaphorical interpretation of the theme of love, explored through a synthesis of ethnocultural and universal visual codes. The central part of the composition is occupied by intertwined images of a young man and a young woman, combining profile and frontal perspectives. This visual arrangement creates an effect of the images interpenetrating one another and visualises the idea of spiritual unity.The compositional core is a vertical element associated with the image of the world tree – the Baiterek. The use of traditional Kazakh ornamentation functions as a sign of cultural memory and emphasises the deep-rootedness of the sentiment in the national spiritual tradition.The gesture of an embrace fulfils an important semiotic function, representing the categories of protection, trust and emotional integrity. The colour scheme is based on a predominance of warm ochre-gold and soft lilac shades, creating an atmosphere of harmony and inner light.