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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.

Earrings

East Kazakhstan. Silver, bent metal, coral. A. Kasteyev National Museum of Arts of the Republic of Kazakhstan

Сырға, серьги подвесного линейно-осевого типа (конец XIX – начало XX в., Восточный Казахстан)

Syrga — linear-axial drop earrings characteristic of the East Kazakh tradition of jewellery art from the late 19th to early 20th centuries. The piece belongs to the category of everyday decorative forms and is distinguished by its compact vertical composition.The material is silver; decorative elements include coral inlays. The technique involves bending and relief work on the surface, which gives the elements their sculptural expressiveness.The design consists of a vertically oriented suspension system secured to a ring-shaped loop. The central element has an elongated cylindrical shape with lateral extensions. Coral beads are positioned at the top and bottom, serving as intermediate connecting elements. The composition is crowned by an openwork, three-dimensional teardrop-shaped pendant made of curved metal rods.The composition is structured according to a strict axial scheme with a sequential alternation of elements. The central part serves as the main visual focal point, whilst the coral inserts provide colour accents and rhythm. The lower openwork element completes the composition, lending it lightness and movement.The ornamental scheme combines geometric and stylised motifs. The decoration of the central element features linear and dot patterns that emphasise its form. The contrast between the silver surface and the bright coral inlays enhances the decorative expressiveness. The pendant element creates a sense of light movement and an acoustic effect characteristic of traditional jewellery of this type.