The solo exhibition "Many Faces of Eurasia" by renowned Kazakh artist Nelli Bube opened at the Presidential Center of the DPA RK. Organized in collaboration with the Academy of Arts of the Republic of Kazakhstan and Almaty Gallery, the exhibition commemorates the 20th anniversary of the Academy of Arts of Kazakhstan.
Nelli Bube holds the title of Honored Cultural Figure of the Republic of Kazakhstan. She is a member of the Union of Artists of Kazakhstan, a full member of the Academy of Arts of the Republic of Kazakhstan, an honorary member of the Russian Academy of Arts, and a recipient of the TURKSOY International Organization of Honorary Medal.
The opening ceremony was attended by approximately 50 representatives from the fields of culture and art, government agencies, public figures, and members of the general public in the capital.
"Nelli Bube is a truly iconic figure in the national visual arts. Her distinctive creative style embodies the civilizational code of Kazakhstan's multifaceted culture, combining historical layers, ethnographic motifs, and a profound philosophical understanding of cultural interaction. It is no coincidence that the artist, with remarkable sensitivity and depth, reveals in her works the world of nomadic culture, the legacy of the Great Silk Road, images of ancient cities, and universally understood symbols. Her art is a space where tradition and innovation, national roots and universal humanism intersect, serving as a unique bridge between the past and the future, between generations and cultures," stated Bakytzhan Temirbolat, Director of the Presidential Center of the Republic of Kazakhstan, in his welcoming remarks.
During the event, the artist received a congratulatory address from A.G. Balayeva, Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Kazakhstan and Minister of Culture and Information.
"Each exhibition for an artist is a unique test for themselves and for the people they serve. This is an opportunity to look at ourselves through the eyes of society, analyze the path we have traveled, and understand where to go next. Through my works, I aim to communicate simple yet important ideas: we must love our land, treat nature and each other with care, and strive for unity. Nomadic culture has provided a unique example of harmonious coexistence between humanity and the surrounding world, when nature was regarded as the highest value. The theme of the environment and humanity’s responsibility towards all living things holds a special place in my work. If the works presented can touch the feelings of viewers, prompting reflection on the future of our planet and the need to preserve peace, culture, and spiritual unity, then the exhibition has achieved its goal," stated the exhibition's creator, Nelli Bube.
The exhibition "Many Faces of Eurasia" is a large-scale art project featuring 56 paintings and mixed-media works, all united by the idea of dialogue between civilizations, generations, and time.
As a result of many years dedicated to exploring the cultural code of nomadic civilizations, several variations of the "Great Silk Road" panorama paintings were created. One of these works was presented at the artist's solo exhibition at the UN House of Nations in Geneva in 2004. Nelli Bube regards "Many Faces of Eurasia" as a space for vibrant cultural exchange, where the steppe code of Kazakhstan interacts with the heritage of neighboring civilizations. For the artist, this exhibition demonstrates that Eurasian identity is shaped by a multitude of voices, traditions, and landscapes, each maintaining its distinctiveness within a shared historical context.
The exhibition will also include a substantial series of works titled "Ecology," which presents a visual dialogue between nature and humanity during an era of technological advancement. These works highlight the fragility of ecological balance and underscore human responsibility for the environment. The theme of Eurasianism is further explored through a series of graphic portraits depicting representatives of various nationalities.
The exhibition will remain open to visitors until July 17, 2026.
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For reference: The artist was born in 1949 in Karaganda. She graduated from the N.V. Gogol Almaty Art Collage in 1969 and the Abai Kazakh Pedagogical Institute in 1977. From 1979 to 1991, she worked in publishing and participated in international book fairs in Tashkent, Moscow, and Almaty. She has received numerous diplomas for illustrating children's books, as well as a copyright certificate for a series of paintings on biblical themes commissioned by Norway. Nelli Bube is the recipient of the "Intellect" competition award and the 2004 Grand Prix for her panorama "The Great Silk Road." Since 1998, she has participated in numerous city, national, international, and solo exhibitions in Switzerland, France, Greece, Italy, the Czech Republic, and Norway. She currently lives and works in Almaty. The principal themes of Nelli Bube's work include the life and culture of nomads, the applied arts and petroglyphs of Kazakhstan, as well as the cities and architectural monuments of Central Asia.
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