The National Central Museum of the Republic of Kazakhstan and Britrise Ltd (London, UK) will open the international contemporary art exhibition «UNDER ONE SKY» on April 17, 2026, at 4:00 PM.
The exhibition is honoured to feature Sheikh Rashid Alkhalifa and his RAK Foundation (Kingdom of Bahrain) as Guest of Honour. While he will not be present in person, his participation represents not only a meaningful contribution to cultural diplomacy but also underscores the exhibition’s prestige and his longstanding influence within the international cultural landscape.
A significant cultural event for the country, «Under One Sky» brings together over 70 artists from across the world, including Europe, Asia, the Arab world, the United States, Russia, Republic of Moldova, Armenia, and Uzbekistan. Working across a wide range of disciplines – fine art, crafts, photography, fashion design, video, and material-based practices – these artists will present their works in Kazakhstan for the first time.
Conceived as an inclusive international platform, the project positions creativity as a unifying force. By bringing together diverse cultural perspectives within a single museum space, it reflects a world in which differences do not divide but coexist and enrich one another.
A dedicated section of the exhibition highlights contemporary Arabic art, bringing together renowned artists from the Gulf region -including Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and Oman – as well as from Jordan and Iraq. Their works reflect a rich dialogue between tradition and modernity, combining heritage motifs, desert landscapes, and architectural references with contemporary artistic approaches to explore themes of identity, history, and cultural continuity.
Within this context, the exhibition presents a solo showcase by Ahmed Al Maghlouth, one of Saudi Arabia’s most prominent and internationally acclaimed artists, as part of «Under One Sky». His work is distinguished by its documentary realism and narrative depth, capturing scenes of traditional life, social gatherings, and the evolving role of women with meticulous detail and a strong sense of human connection. Widely supported by the Royal Family, the Ministry of Culture, and leading cultural institutions, Al Maghlouth is recognized not only for his significant contribution to Saudi contemporary art, but also for his work as a journalist and his philanthropic engagement through art, frequently dedicating part of his auction proceeds to charitable causes.
Among the featured artists, Kaltham Belselah (UAE) explores the balance between tradition and modernity, moving fluidly between realism and abstraction while drawing inspiration from Emirati heritage. His Excellency Farhan Al Sheikh Al Sayed (Qatar) reflects cultural identity through symbolic imagery, notably the falcon, a powerful emblem of the region’s heritage. Jamelah Alherz (Saudi Arabia) focuses on expressive portraiture, capturing human presence through light, texture, and refined detail, while referencing the cultural legacy of Al Ahsa, a UNESCO-recognized region. Dr. Mohannad Al-Daoud (Iraq) draws on cultural memory and urban life, inspired by traditional architecture and everyday visual environments.
Christine El Ojeil (Lebanon/UAE) is known for her vibrant, emotionally driven floral compositions, while Sara Albannay (UAE) creates evocative works that explore the complexities of life through color, texture, and symbolism. Ali Ahmadi (Bahrain) combines calligraphy and expressive imagery, using dynamic color and flowing script to create a harmonious visual language that reflects cultural themes and artistic innovation. Maram Hasan (Jordan) employs layered glazing techniques, creating compositions in which multiple visual narratives subtly emerge and interact.
The contemporary Japanese-inspired aesthetic blends elements of kawaii culture with subtle surrealism and emotional ambiguity. Soft, diffused layering and delicate surface textures create a dreamlike atmosphere, while exaggerated facial features and symbolic motifs evoke themes of innocence, vulnerability, and psychological depth. Represented by Yashiro Hiroyuki (Peddy Pot) who will attend the Opening Ceremony, the group of 12 Japanese artists in this exhibition explore a shared visual language that merges playful imagery with introspective narrative, characteristic of modern Japanese pop-surrealist expression.
The UK, Spain, Italy, Poland, and Austria are defined by a shared radical break with the academic traditions of the 19th century, embracing innovation, experimentation, abstract, and subjectivity.
The event also brings together artists from Russia and Armenia, including Katerina Bodrunova and Alexandra Faleichik, and Armine Sahakyan, who personally present original works within the field of decorative and applied arts.
A significant contribution is made by Kazakhstani artists – members of the Union of Artists of the Republic of Kazakhstan – whose works convey cultural traditions and national identity through symbolic imagery, ornamental motifs, and expressive use of colour. Participating artists include Gulnar Suinbayeva, Serik Taynov, Kabyl Khalykov, Gulnara Tabanova, Elena Fursa, Marzhan Bakytbekova, Aigul Saparbekova, and Bibigul Smakova.
The exhibition is organized by Britrise Ltd, represented by Raisa Ambros – an artist, journalist, and internationally recognized curator known for organizing major exhibitions worldwide. Ambros is widely regarded as an important figure in contemporary abstract art. Her works are held in prominent private and public collections, including those of Pope Francis in the Vatican, His Royal Highness Prince Saud Al Saud, as well as the Presidential Palace, Government and Parliament of Moldova.
The co-curator and co-organizer of the exhibition is Bibigul Smakova, an artist, teacher, member of the Union of Designers of the Republic of Kazakhstan, and participant and organizer of international art projects.
Britrise is collaborating with important strategic partners as the Art, Fashion and Cultural Diplomacy (Qatar), DCS Contemporary Gallery (Germany), and the First Access (Saudi Arabia), as well as Media Partners like Al Ayam and The Daily Tribune (Bahrain), Radio Moldova, Eurocomunicazione and Arte Magazine (Italy).
During the Opening Ceremony the selected nominated artists and partners will receive the prestigious BritAlma Award, a Britrise brand from London, UK.
The exhibition «Under One Sky» is open in two halls and is also available in video format. It will run until April 30, 2026.
