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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.

Vessel. 10th–12th centuries. Taraz

10th–12th centuries. Taraz. Photo by M. Tyo

Vessel. 10th–12th centuries. Taraz

On medieval ceramic tableware, quotations from the Quran and auspicious formulas were often arranged in the form of continuous ornamental bands or rectangular compositions formed by elongated and stylised letters. This style of decoration is linked to the traditions of Islamic calligraphy, within which writing served not only an informative but also a decorative function. The text was organically integrated into the ornamental scheme of the piece, often conforming to the overall composition of the vessel.There was a widespread belief that tableware bearing such inscriptions possessed a beneficial, protective influence, helping to safeguard the owner and bring them prosperity. Such inscriptions are most found on glazed ceramics, where the smooth surface and the contrast of the underglaze painting ensured the clarity and expressiveness of the calligraphic decoration, enhancing its visual and symbolic significance.