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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.

On the Hunt, 2019. Oil on canvas. Source: https://zhaukhar.kz

Nurgozhin Meirzhan

Нургожин Мейржан. На охоту, 2019 г. Холст, масло

In his work, the artist explores the theme of the quraq korpe in various ways: any piece in which he uses this image is firmly rooted in the world of childhood. This creates a distinctive national flavour and, as it were, centres and emphasises the visual narrative of a universe that begins at home.The painting “On the Hunt” depicts a children’s game: two boys sit on a horse next to a brightly coloured quraq korpe hung on a fence, whilst a little girl watches the scene unfold. Here, the quraq, with its naturally bright and colourful pattern, contrasts sharply with the almost monotonous blue sky, drawing the viewer’s attention without distracting them from the main subject—children’s games.For the artist, the quraq korpe is undoubtedly associated with children and with childhood memories—bright, radiant, joyful colours, much like the colours of the patchwork quilt itself.