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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.

Korzhyn house

Turkestan Region

Korzhyn house

The Korzhyn ui is a characteristic type of permanent Kazakh dwelling. Structurally, the house is a two-room structure, where the living and guest areas are separated by a passageway that also serves as a kitchen. The interior space is organised according to a functional hierarchy: the living room (zhataq ui) and the guest room (konaq ui) are connected via an intermediate zone, which forms a distinctive axis of movement and communication. The orientation of the entrance and windows towards the sunny side, as well as the heating system with a hearth situated in the corridor, demonstrate the thoughtfulness of the microclimatic solutions. The etymology of the name stems from an analogy with the traditional ‘korzhyn’ shoulder bag, whose two-part structure is reflected in the spatial layout of the dwelling.