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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.

‘Venus’, wood, plastic, metal; mixed media (assembly, inlay, mechanical fastening of elements). Kulanshi Art Space Contemporary Art Gallery

Tabigat Kuzhanbaev

Кужанбаев Табигат. «Млечный путь», пластик, металл, текстиль (верёвка), электронные компоненты; сборка, инсталляция, mixed media. Галерея современного искусства Kulanshi Art Space

The vertically oriented composition is integrated into a rectangular base, giving the object the characteristics of a wall-mounted art piece. A wooden frame forms the outer boundary of the composition, within which is placed a central panel featuring a system of fixed metal elements.The spatial arrangement is based on a linear-axial principle. All elements are subject to vertical movement and are perceived as a sequence of interconnected modules. The central compositional node is a circular perforated form, from which a system of suspended elements extends downwards, reminiscent of archaic decorative or mechanical structures. The upper part is complemented by a spiral-shaped element that reinforces the axis of the composition and sets its rhythm.The design concept is linked to cosmological ideas and the notion of a multi-layered structure of the world. The vertical is perceived as a symbolic axis connecting different levels of space, whilst the circle and spiral are associated with movement, cyclicality and inner energy. The title ‘Venus’ introduces an additional layer of meaning linked to the archetype of the feminine principle, fertility and harmony.The distinctive feature of the work lies in the expansion of the boundaries of jewellery art towards an object-based and installation-based approach. Here, the decorative element loses its function as wearable jewellery and becomes an independent artistic object that interacts with the space. Using a combination of different materials and forms, the artist translates the principles of jewellery composition into the realm of contemporary art, whilst maintaining a focus on detail, rhythm and symbolism.