Cultural Ascendancy in Almaty: The Influence of Art as a Subtle Form of Power
A New Cultural Beacon in Almaty: The Tselinny Center of Contemporary Culture
In the heart of Almaty, Kazakhstan, a new cultural institution is making waves in the art world. The Tselinny Center of Contemporary Culture, a private museum of modern and contemporary art, is the first of its kind in Central Asia.
Established by Kazakh businessman Kairat Boranbayev, who has made his fortune through investments in oil and gas, real estate, pharmaceutical retail, and as a key figure in Kazakhstan's sports sector, serving as the president of Almaty's most successful football club, FC Kairat, the Tselinny Center of Contemporary Culture is set to become a significant player in the region's cultural landscape.
The center's design, revitalizing a Soviet modernist icon, a cinema built in the 1960s, was undertaken by British architect Asif Khan. The Tselinny Center of Contemporary Culture houses a collection of over 700 works by Kazakh and Central Asian artists, as well as international artists like Khadim Ali, Xu Zhen, Jadé Fadojutimi, Fernand Leger, Richard Serra, and video artist Bill Viola.
The center's inaugural exhibition will be a solo show by Kazakh artist Almagul Menlibayeva, titled "I Understand Everything", curated by Gridthiya Gaweewong. Menlibayeva's work explores themes of identity, memory, and history, and is sure to provoke thought and conversation.
The Tselinny Center of Contemporary Culture's artistic direction is led by Meruyert Kaliyeva, a native of Almaty with experience in Christie's post-war department. Kaliyeva founded the Aspan Gallery in Almaty in 2015, specializing in contemporary Central Asian art.
The center's chief curator will be Inga Lāce, a Central and Eastern European fellow at the Museum of Modern Art in New York until 2023. Lāce has worked on numerous prestigious projects, including the Latvian pavilion at the Venice Biennale in 2019, the Survival Kit contemporary art festival from 2017 to 2023, and she will co-curate the Latvian Pavilion at the next Venice Biennale with Adomas Narkevičius.
The Tselinny Center of Contemporary Culture focuses on contemporary art and culture and hosts various exhibitions, performances, and events. Its inaugural program, titled "Barsakelmes," is centered around performances, concerts, events, and initiatives inspired by the nomadic and performative aspects of Kazakh culture.
Meanwhile, the Almaty Museum of Arts, another cultural institution in the city, has a rich history dating back to the Soviet era. After undergoing a significant renovation in the 21st century, the museum houses a collection of art from various periods and styles. Both institutions contribute to the cultural landscape of Almaty.
The founders and artists associated with The Tselinny Center of Contemporary Culture include Elvira Bakubayeva, Aisulu Uali, Daniyar Almagambetov, Akmaral Mendygarina, and Leila Yogurucu, who are involved in project management, site supervision, and related roles for the center.
As the Tselinny Center of Contemporary Culture continues to grow and evolve, it promises to become a vital part of Kazakhstan's cultural identity and a must-visit destination for art lovers from around the world.
[1] For more information about resident or exhibiting artists, please refer to the Tselinny Center of Contemporary Culture's official website or contact the institution directly.
- Despite the Tselinny Center of Contemporary Culture's focus on finance, real estate, and sports through its founder Kairat Boranbayev, it will also delve into education-and-self-development by hosting various exhibitions, performances, and events.
- As the weather permits, visitors might consider exploring the casinos and gambling spots in Almaty to round off their cultural visits, as they provide a unique experience distinct from arts and museums.
- During their visit to the Tselinny Center of Contemporary Culture, art enthusiasts can take a walk through the city of Almaty, enjoying its rich history, Architectural landmarks, and picturesque natural landscapes.
