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Voices of a lost culture

"Neither a shouting match nor a polite droning" showcases connection, anxiety, change in Central Asia by contemporary female artists

by

Farhana Chowdhury

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Published: Thu 29 Dec 2016, 11:46 AM

Last updated: Thu 12 Jan 2017, 3:43 PM

Highlighting the raw but intricate emotions of women in Central Asia (namely Kazakhstan), as their respective countries undergo transformation of sorts is what compelled Irina Bourmistrova, Curatorial Director of Andakulova Gallery, to compile thought-provoking art pieces and display them in an intimate setting. 
Speaking about the exhibition, titled, "Neither a shouting match nor a polite droning", the curator said: "The artworks are inspired by contemporary female practices from Central Asia. As women, we have the ability to form a deep connection with one another no matter where we come from, and this exhibition is to showcase these thoughts and feelings."
A notable aspect of the showcase at Andakulova Gallery is the lack of frames. Each artwork is firmly upheld on a wooden plank to show the women's creations in its most natural form. 
"We wanted to give it a feeling of originality - an unattached, fluid, frameless perspective to these pieces, and present them in a raw form. We wanted to describe female creativity as one without barriers," said Bourmistrova.
The fascination lies in bonds between women of differing generations. For instance, Rimma Gagloeva's still life (1996) on display is a mother's abstract thoughts on canvas, complete with reds, yellows and browns that add to the artists' concept of escapism. The fierce style is contrasted by her daughter's piece that complements with cooler hues while retaining the sharp tones of her mother's emotions.
Another connection highlighted at the gallery is of deaf identical twin sisters Galia and Bota Kusainovs, who use art as a platform of expression. The creative duo, better known as GABO, demonstrate their own styles on tapestry, ceramics, batik, to name a few, with a blend of techniques ranging from gouache, pastels, and even gold and silver foils. "Bouquet with Pears" created by the sisters is made with black biro pen on paper. While the work is intricate and modern, Bourmistrova points out several traditional Kazakh elements embedded in it. 
The youngest artist in the gallery is a 24-year-old Suinbike Suleimenova, who uses a smartphone as a medium of expression. - farhana@khaleejtimes.com
Visit Andakulova Gallery at DIFC to view a compilation of artwork by female artists at various stages of their careers express themselves in a world torn between cultural norms and modernisation. The exhibition will be held until March 6, 2017.
 


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