The opening ceremony of the exhibition "Thread Connecting Times", featuring the work of renowned Kazakhstani jeweler, artist, restorer, and collector Berik Alibay, took place at the Presidential Center of the DPA RK. The exhibition was dedicated to the Independence Day of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
The event aimed to cultivate greater interest and respect for national jewelry art, highlighting its significant value to society. A key objective was to elevate the prestige of the jewelry profession and promote understanding of the vital role artisans play in preserving cultural traditions.
"The name of the jeweler, artist, restorer, and collector Berik Alibay is known not only in our country but also far beyond its borders. He is an active participant in national and international folk art exhibitions, honorably representing the jewelry art of Kazakhstan. One such large-scale event with his participation was recently held in Washington, D.C., during the visit of Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev to the United States. Kazakhstan's jewelry art occupies a special place in our nation's cultural treasury. It is one of the few art forms that has maintained continuity, craftsmanship, and unique artistic traditions for centuries. From the ancient Sakas and Turks to modern masters, jewelry has never ceased to evolve, remaining a living testimony to the rich history, refined aesthetic taste, and spiritual heritage of our people," noted Bakytzhan Temirbolat, Director of the Presidential Center of the Republic of Kazakhstan, in his speech.
The exhibition featured jewelry, clothing, household items, and artwork by B. Alibay, as well as unique pieces he collected over decades. He has devoted his career to preserving national jewelry art, making a significant contribution to its development and popularization. This exhibition is a creative space for exploring the origins, cultural value, and spiritual significance of Kazakh jewelry.
“I dedicated this exhibition to Independence Day. Independence is our most sacred and greatest treasure. As a citizen of Kazakhstan, I strive to convey our people's rich cultural heritage through my art and pass it on to future generations. Kazakh jewelry reflects the nation's spirit, aesthetic sense, history, and traditions. Each piece embodies the people's worldview, their aspiration for beauty, purity, and harmony. May our country's independence be eternal, and its future bright. May each of us contribute to the development of the Fatherland and the prosperity of our culture through our work,” said Berik Alibay, the exhibition's creator.
The exhibition features over 250 silver jewelry pieces that explore the symbolism of the ornaments, the semantic content, and the sacred and aesthetic qualities of these pieces.
Each exhibit reflects the history of the people and is a testament to the continuity of generations. Traditional Kazakh silver jewelry is more than just decorative items; it reflects the people's worldview, way of life, and sacred heritage.
Alibai Berik was born in 1964 in the village of Kyzyl-sai, Merkensky District, Zhambyl Region. He graduated from the Almaty Art School named after N. Gogol and the Kazakh National Academy of Arts named after T. Zhurgenov. Since 1992, he has been a member of the Union of Designers of Kazakhstan, and since 2006, a member of the Union of Artists of Kazakhstan. In 2007, he was awarded the title of " Cultural figure". In 2009, he was awarded the title of "Honored Worker of Kazakhstan". In 2013, Berik Alibay was awarded the International Order of Carl Fabergé for his contribution to the development of world cultural heritage. He is also a recipient of the Order of Kurmet.
The exhibition reveals the special power and purity of silver, as well as its important role in national culture. The artist's jewelry and artwork are distinguished by a unique style that combines traditional Kazakh motifs with contemporary design solutions.
B. Alibay is an active participant in national and international exhibitions. His works are held in museums and private collections in China, Japan, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Turkey, Germany, England, Spain, the Sultanate of Oman, Jordan, the CIS countries, and others.
