About

Publications

Knowledge Database

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.

Decorative Felt Ensemble, 2017. U. Urkinbay

Suraganova

Decorative Felt Ensemble, 2017. U. Urkinbay

Syrmak is a traditional two-layer Kazakh felt carpet (the upper layer is inlaid, and the lower layer is plain – astar) made using a combination of decorative quilting and inlay.The composition of the carpet is canonical, five-part – bes boligy bar, proportionate in part to the human body: orta or kol – the middle, eky basy or eki alakany – two short borders, and eky zhany – two long borders.The borders are mirror images of the motifs kos alka on the short ones and baqan on the long ones, with a change in positive and negative, forming – synar zhely. Framing the central field, the borders balance it, which is an artistic feature of the Kazakhs of Altai. The joints between the parts are hidden by a decorative cord – zhyek.Polychromaticity and contrast remain characteristic features of Altai patterned felt rugs.