16 May 2025 at 4 pm. The Central State Museum of the Republic of Kazakhstan invites Almaty residents and guests to the opening of artist Yulia Proskura’s solo exhibition “Soul of Nomad” – a large-scale art project dedicated to the traditions, memory and aesthetics of the nomadic world. The exhibition is also dedicated to the International Museum Day, celebrated on May 18.
Contemporary art is increasingly turning to roots, to authentic and deep cultural experience. In this context, the project “Soul of Nomad” can be understood as an attempt by the artist to comprehend and visualize the multi-layered nature of Kazakh identity, uniting images of the past and present in a single artistic statement.
“I aim to show that tradition is not just something we have in the past, it can make us stronger and give us ideas. It is a way for us to talk about things that will never change. I use symbols, colors and shapes to create a conversation between different age groups, cultures and myself as the viewer” — notes Yulia Proskura.
The aim of the project is not only the artistic interpretation of traditions, but also the actualization of the theme of cultural continuity, the importance of intangible heritage and the role of women in the transmission of spiritual values.
The exhibition includes approximately 30 paintings created in the artist’s distinctive style, incorporating traditional motifs, national ornamentation and iconic symbols of Kazakh culture. The artist’s meticulous attention to detail, soft color gradations and philosophical depth of image create a space reminiscent of the steppes, with the aroma of wormwood and the sounds of the dombra.
Each painting accompanied by an annotation that elucidates its meaning, sources of inspiration and cultural context. Visitors will have the opportunity to familiarize themselves with images related to the mythology, everyday life and worldview of nomads, and to see how the history of the people can interpret through visual art.
The exhibition has the support of the Central State Museum, which for decades has been the center of historical and cultural dialogue in Kazakhstan.
We invite you to become a part of this event, to discover a subtle, poetic and multi-layered world where art becomes a mediator between the past and the present, and visual images become a guide to the spiritual depth of Kazakh culture.
The exhibition runs until 31 May 2025.
