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Art in Bishkek

The fall of the Sovjet Union and the following re-orientation of Kyrgyzstan presented the Kyrgyz art world with a chance to change. The artist, who are mostly educated in Moscow and Saint Petersburg, are part of the search for a new identity and are often influenced by new nationalistic feelings.

Countless images of yurts and horses (the most widespread symbols of Kyrgyzstan) appeared in many variations, while a lot of artists kept to the socialistic style and continued their work on classical themes; developing their own style was something only a few artists managed to do. A passage in the center of Bishkek, aptly known as the Horsegallery, boasts an enormous amount of seemingly traditional art. A small group of artists who understand what it means to create contemporary art which incorporate social themes, are widely recognised in the international art world. In their own country however, they meet a lot of misunderstanding and resistance.

Typical guestroom State museum of History

Typical guestroom

State museum of History

The young art scene

In order to create a thriving art scene in Bishkek, it is vital to attract the youth and to motivate them to active paricipation. The local Art Academy's role in this is of minor importance. The students are educated according to academic standards with educational materials from Soviet times and subject like contemporary art are rarely touched upon. Suitable locations for events and regular meetings, like the art centers in the West, are not available. Until now young artists could only resort to organisations such as B'Aart or Art East and participated in uncoordinated workshops. Cooperation between local and international artists however, does look quite promising until now. Examples of workshop can be found on these sites:

[ Metrobish ]
[ CEC ArtsLink: Central Asia ]

From several points of view it is important to get the youth to show interest in art. First of all an encounter with international art is also a confrontation with different views on the world, not hindered by the language barrier one can gat a taste of different cultures, but also get a glimps on current social treatises. The versatility and freedom of art motivates to discuss own ideas, create and provide them with a new place and finally to create a wider interest in informal and subcultural initiatives.

Politicians »Mers«

Politicians

»Mers«

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