The National Central Museum of the Republic of Kazakhstan presents the 20th anniversary exhibition of the fine and applied art studio “BLUE TURTLE” – “TAILAK TABAN: Patterns of the Steppe”.
A special place in Kazakh ornamental art is occupied by the traditional motif known as “Tailak Taban”, which is widely used in Kazakh applied art (jewellery, felt-making, and carpet weaving) and in everyday life, domestic settings. Contemporary artisans and artists continue to incorporate and reinterpret these patterns in their work. “Tailak Taban” (camel’s footprint) symbolises continuity, vital energy, wealth, and prosperity, as the camel has historically been regarded as a sacred animal among nomadic peoples.
The exhibition participants (children aged 7 to 16) have prepared new works on the given theme, which will be presented in the exhibition. Children possess an innate ability to imbue the world around them with special meaning.
For many participants, this is their first and very valuable experience of publicly presenting their works in a professional exhibition space. Some of the studio’s students, however, have already exhibited at the Central Exhibition Hall, the Artists’ Union Gallery, the Museum of Almaty, and others.
An artist is someone who can be inspired by what they see and is willing to share that sense of wonder with the viewer. This is precisely why the annual exhibitions held by the studio at the National Central Museum of the Republic of Kazakhstan are an important part of the educational program. It is essential not only to teach a child how to draw, but also to prepare them to present their work to a wide audience.
“Blue Turtle” is one of the oldest studios in Almaty, with more than 20 years of history, and has been holding annual exhibitions of its students’ work since 2003. Its graduates have won prizes in international and national competitions. For some alumni, fine art has become a profession, and they have continued their studies at leading universities in Kazakhstan and around the world.
One of the studio’s graduates, Laal Avgambayeva, was recognised at the age of 17 as the youngest designer to appear on a professional runway in the CIS, and in September 2023, she took part in London Fashion Week. Last year, she was ranked among the top 20 tailors in the United Kingdom after winning 5 professional and student competitions.
The exhibition features 50 works created in a wide range of techniques, including painting, graphic art, silk painting, and felt art.
The head of the studio is Zhazira Zhanabayeva, a practising artist, educator, prize-winner of international professional competitions, and a member of the Eurasian Creative Guild (London).
The exhibition will run until May 4, 2026.
