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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.

Orteke

Marjan Abish

Orteke

Orteke is an ancient synthetic art form that combines the expressive plasticity of wood carving from a single piece of wood with details of the figure of a mountain goat, the sounds of emotional dombra music, and the skill of manipulating a puppet with a movable head and legs. The taukete figure was attached to a flat surface or stand and to the finger of the dombyra player with a string or thread. As the musician played the dombyra, the dancing figure moved to the beat of the music, creating a special mood for the playful piece. The traditional art of orteke continues to develop today: international festivals are held every year in Almaty.