Saodat Ismailova's _As We Fade_: A Journey Through Psychic Landscapes

Saodat Ismailova's first solo exhibition in the UK, titled _As We Fade_, is currently showcased at the Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art in Gateshead. The exhibition features four film pieces that explore themes of memory, identity, and the void left by cultural upheaval. The immersive environment invites viewers to engage with the works while reflecting on the broader implications of Ismailova's artistic vision.

The Guardian

Ismailova's work is deeply influenced by her upbringing during perestroika, a time of significant political and social change in the late 1980s in Uzbekistan. This period saw the collapse of Soviet ideology, leaving a cultural void that Ismailova has sought to address through her art. The exhibition's centerpiece, _As We Fade_, utilizes 24 silk sheaths to create a shimmering projection that symbolizes the ancient Silk Road, connecting East and West. The film features rituals performed on the sacred Sulaiman Too mountain, emphasizing both visibility and absence in the imagery.

The Guardian

Among the notable pieces is _Melted Into the Sun_, which lyrically explores the life of the 8th-century figure Al-Muqanna. The film incorporates elements of ASMR and video game aesthetics, presenting a dreamlike narrative that raises universal questions about identity and geography. Another significant work, _Swan Lake_, draws on Ismailova's memories of the hypnotist Kashpirovsky, reflecting on themes of power and manipulation within the context of Soviet propaganda.

The Guardian

While Ismailova's works are celebrated for their rich layers and emotional depth, some critics argue that the political context may be overshadowed by the emphasis on aesthetic experience. The exhibition invites viewers to contemplate the balance between personal memory and collective history, prompting discussions about the role of art in processing cultural trauma.

The Guardian

The Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art has described _As We Fade_ as a "brave first solo exhibition" that encapsulates Ismailova's unique perspective as an Uzbek artist. The exhibition aims to create a space for reflection on the past and the complexities of identity in a rapidly changing world.

The Guardian

• “Each film here is a universe of its own, richly layered, steeped in historical allusions.” — Saodat Ismailova

The Guardian

• “It is a show about how we hold on to the past and how to let go – and leaves you staring into the darkness, wondering what might emerge.” — Saodat Ismailova

The Guardian

• “References to the subconscious abound – the whole space feels like a psychic dreamspace.” — Art Critic

The Guardian

Saodat Ismailova's _As We Fade_ offers a profound exploration of the intersections between personal and collective memory, inviting audiences to engage with the complexities of identity and cultural history. Through her innovative use of film and installation, Ismailova creates a space that resonates with both the past and the present, challenging viewers to reflect on what it means to exist in a world shaped by historical voids.

The Guardian