Indigo Sun
Kazakhstan Series
Grattography
2005
Collection of Stephen Sawchin, Winnipeg, Manitoba
Copyright © 2010 Aliza Souleyeva-Alexander

 

Throughout the works of this series, I want to present a small part of Kazakh culture and tradition.  It is significant for me to show the world my love and respect for the Kazakh culture, which was abandoned by the Soviet authority during the Soviet regime.  My country started a new period of self cultural consciousness at that time and this consciousness has been developing since.
My style is based on the Kazakh textile traditions and ornamental culture, which gives me an endless opportunity to create my own symbols and ornaments.  I explain the essence of things through these ornaments, where viewers can find their own interpretation.
I depict an image of Kazakh women most of the time because as a woman myself  I admire their natural beauty, wisdom, and strength.  I also present an image of a musician, symbolically my grandfather, Magauiya Khamzin, who was a great folk musician and ambassador of Kazakh culture to the world. Like my famous grandfather, I want to show the beauty and uniqueness of the Kazakh culture to the entire world.