An international exhibition
titled ‘Art of Traditions’, presenting the fusion of traditional customs and
contemporary art, has opened at the Kazakh National Museum in Astana. Art installations,
photographs, and art performances showcase the works of foreign and Kazakh
photographers and artists. Through their art, the creators aimed to reveal the
common spiritual values and the continuity of traditions in the modern world by using examples of various peoples. The exhibition features pieces by
Italian photographer Gabriele Galimberti, Austrian artist Norbert Brunner, and
a video art performance by the ADYR-ASPAN creative team from Kazakhstan. For
example, Galimberti traveled to numerous countries to bring his project ‘In Her
Kitchen’ to life, offering a look into the unique flavors of national dishes
from different cultures, including Kazakh cuisine.
“My grandmother is always
worried about the food that I eat when I travel. And so, I decided to say to my
grandmother that I was going to have dinner with people and they know how to
cook well. That’s what I did. So, every time I try to find a family that
invites me for dinner, and then I share the food with them, I cook together with
them, so that I can learn something about cooking. And then, I write the
recipes, and we can see the result here,” said Galimberti.
“I enjoyed creating a connection
between the past, present, and future. Traditions are the legacy passed down from
our ancestors to us and onward to our descendants. I am happy that the project
debuted in Kazakhstan, a country that deeply honors its traditions. The
exhibition’s title, ‘Art of Traditions’, truly reflects Kazakhstan,” said ¤Olga
Daniele, Curator from Switzerland.