International exhibition ‘Art of Traditions’ opens in Astana

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.