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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.

Tekemet, 1970. M. Seitbayeva

West Kazakhstan. Tekemet, 1970. Felt, felting. • From the collection of the A. Kasteev National Museum of Arts of the Republic of Kazakhstan (72-b).

Tekemet, 1970. M. Seitbayeva

The tekemet on display features a classical composition with a clear division into a central field and a border. The composition is strictly symmetrical and organised along a longitudinal axis: the central section is accentuated by a light, elongated band, within which geometric elements are repeated rhythmically, forming a dynamic ornamental sequence. The border consists of several ornamental bands featuring a fine, repeating pattern. The ornamentation is predominantly geometric in nature, with a predominance of diamond-shaped and triangular motifs, which may be interpreted as symbols possessing not only a decorative but also a protective function. The carpet’s colour scheme is based on a combination of deep, dark shades—burgundy, brown and black—with a contrasting light centre, which lends the composition expressiveness and visual depth. The intricate detailing of the ornamentation and the slight asymmetry of individual elements indicate that it was hand-woven and reflect a high level of craftsmanship. In terms of its artistic and stylistic features, the tekemet is closely related to Turkmen traditions.