Erbolat Tulepbai: Bridging the Past and Future at the Venice Biennale of Art.
The curators of the pavilion, Danagul Tolepbay and Anvar Musrepov, drew inspiration from ancient legends and spiritual traditions to challenge and expand traditional views on identity, belonging, and uniqueness, reports IA El.kz referencing Artdaily.com.
The exhibition reflected Kazakhstan's desire to reclaim its place in the global art dialogue, merging ancestral wisdom with futuristic concepts. The pavilion showcased a country reinterpreting itself through artistic innovation and cultural revival. With its comprehensive narrative, the pavilion invited viewers to envision a future where ancient myths and contemporary realities coexist in harmony, embodying a world rooted in traditions yet open to endless possibilities.
At the center of this was Yerbolat Tolepbay, a key figure whose art and vision shaped the pavilion's narrative. Tolepbay's work, renowned worldwide and deeply connected to Kazakh heritage, earned him the French Order of Arts and Letters and is imbued with spirituality. This spiritual depth was likely influenced by his mother, a healer dedicated to helping others, who instilled in him a worldview based on harmony and divine order. His creations reflect God's creation through rounded, balanced forms that evoke peace and contemplation. In contrast to the destructive energy he perceives in many contemporary artworks, Tolepbay aims to create a sense of divine balance, inviting all viewers to discover personal meaning in his pieces.
Tolepbay views his participation as an opportunity to present Kazakh art in a global context.
I have always seen my work as part of the global art movement, he shares. The Biennale is a unique platform for our country to engage in international dialogue on cultural exchange. Our nation, with its rich heritage, deserves to be seen and recognized.
Exploring the layers of meaning in art
Tolepbay's artistic vision has been profoundly influenced by his early experiences and the turbulent history of Kazakhstan. His iconic work "The End of the World" (1985) reflects the fears and anticipations of a generation overshadowed by nuclear threats, combining apocalypse with a glimmer of hope for renewal. He explains, “It symbolizes the horror of civilization's collapse but also hints at new life emerging from destruction.” His more recent work "New Child: Rebirth" reflects ongoing global conflicts and humanity's struggle for harmony, encapsulated in a tense elliptical composition that embodies his unique interpretation of cosmic and spiritual balance.
Art as a bridge between cultures
Tolepbay's art also serves as a link between Kazakh cultural symbols and universal themes. Although his new works may not overtly reflect traditional Kazakh motifs, they resonate with a deeper essence of his heritage.
The dome-shaped forms in my paintings echo the structure of the yurt, representing a cosmic model of the universe, he notes, emphasizing how Kazakh symbols can be reinterpreted to contribute to a broader, global cultural narrative.
This philosophy aligns with the main theme of the Biennale, "Foreigners Everywhere," which the pavilion interprets as a call to transcend borders and strengthen intercultural understanding.
Kazakhstan's participation in the 2024 Venice Biennale marks an important milestone, as it is only the second time the country has taken part in this prestigious international event. For artist Yerbolat Tolepbay, this moment is of immense significance.
The international audience is just beginning to discover Kazakhstan, he explains, emphasizing that the country's cultural and artistic journey onto the world stage is still in its early stages.
Since gaining independence, Kazakhstan has quickly established itself as one of the strongest economies in the region, and now the focus is shifting.
It's time to invest more actively in cultural and artistic development, adds Tolepbay, highlighting that projects like this pavilion serve as beacons for future generations of artists.
Despite the geographical distance from major cultural centers, Tolepbay believes that such exhibitions are crucial for Kazakhstan's growth. He compares the national interest in the Biennale to the enthusiasm generated by the Olympics, noting that the Kazakh Minister of Culture even attended the event for the first time on an official visit. Tolepbay hopes that Kazakhstan's presence at the Biennale will become a tradition, contributing to a richer and more diverse global art scene.
Reflecting on the concept of Kazakh art, Tolepbay challenges traditional categories.
In our context, the division between contemporary and academic art is not actually made, he explains.
Kazakh art is based on the heritage of nomads, where instead of oil portraits or classical sculptures, cultural expression is found in intricate symbolic textiles intended for travel. He emphasizes that European art practices arrived in Kazakhstan only in the 20th century, making all Kazakh art, in essence, contemporary. He hopes that visitors will shed Eurocentrism and appreciate the richness of a culture that defies conventional labels.
Throughout his life, Tolepbay has been deeply committed to his craft.
Painting is not just a profession or hobby; it is a way of communicating with the world, he shares.
His ambition is clear: to create works that resonate with generations. His dream is to see Kazakh art receive the recognition it deserves and to inspire young artists to push the boundaries of creativity.
His works also convey a profound ecological understanding, often depicting the beauty of pre-industrial Kazakhstan. His paintings evoke a world where nature was revered, filling the land with spiritual energy.
Rivers, trees, and the earth were revered as ancestors, reflects Tolepbay.
He believes that such thinking could inspire modern society to treat the planet with greater care.
If we could adopt even a fraction of this awareness, he suggests, we could avoid the brutal exploitation that has become so commonplace.
In his art, Tolepbay not only conveys the spirit of his homeland but also calls for a more respectful and interconnected relationship with the natural world.
A unique approach to artistic creation
Tolepbay's work is a process of constant evolution, marked by a deep sense of responsibility. His art is not replicable, and each piece is the result of years of contemplation and ongoing revision.
Sometimes I intentionally leave works unfinished, inviting viewers to complete the image in their imagination, he explains.
This approach fosters a connection where viewers become co-creators, preserving the essence of the artwork long after they leave the exhibition.
As Kazakhstan reasserts itself on the global art stage, Tolepbay's works serve as a profound symbol of cultural renewal and artistic exploration, offering a glimpse into a world where the past, present, and future converge in a harmonious vision.
