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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.

Qalqan

From a private collection

Qalqan

Kalkan is an important piece of equipment, often multi-layered, reinforced with bone or metal patches. It was made from thick ox, buffalo or horse leather. The leather was often boiled in water or impregnated with wax or fat to make it stiff. Sometimes the leather was glued together in multiple layers for greater strength. A scaly structure was used: pieces of leather were sewn on like scales. It was combined with other materials. Leather armour was often worn over chain mail. There were also reinforced versions, for example, with metal plates sewn into the leather base.