Gulnur Mukazhanova's "Dowry of the Soul" Exhibition at CHAT

Gulnur Mukazhanova's exhibition "Dowry of the Soul" at the Centre for Heritage, Arts and Technology (CHAT) in Hong Kong showcases her innovative use of Kazakh felt to explore themes of memory, heritage, and loss. The exhibition features a range of installations and artworks that reflect on the impact of historical events in Kazakhstan, particularly the 2022 Qandy Qantar protests.

New York Observer

Mukazhanova's work is deeply rooted in the cultural practices of Kazakhstan, particularly the use of tuskiiz carpets, which traditionally honor family lineage and protect against evil spirits. These felted objects serve as a conduit for memory and ritual, transitioning souls to the ancestral realm. The artist's contemporary interpretations of these traditional forms push the boundaries of felt into abstract and painterly realms, as seen in her large-scale canvases and intricate installations.

New York Observer

The exhibition opens with suspended sculptures made from colorful fabric scraps sourced from Kazakh wedding textiles and Hong Kong markets. These installations, held together by dressmaker pins, symbolize the tension between globalization and traditional life. Mukazhanova’s "Post-Nomadic Realities" canvases maintain the arch of tuskiiz while experimenting with color and form, creating a dialogue between the past and present.

New York Observer

A significant aspect of the exhibition is Mukazhanova's "Portrait Reflections" series, which consists of 84 double-sided felt canvases arranged in a labyrinthine gallery. These abstract portraits, created through a physically demanding felting process, embody the artist's personal experiences and collective memory, particularly in relation to the Qandy Qantar protests where many lives were lost.

New York Observer

The exhibition is enhanced by a six-channel soundscape composed by Kazakh musician SAMRATTAMA, which incorporates elements of nature and Tengrist chants. This auditory experience complements the visual aspects of Mukazhanova's work, creating a holistic environment that invites reflection on themes of ancestry and healing.

New York Observer

While Mukazhanova's work has been praised for its depth and emotional resonance, some critics argue that the heavy themes of loss and memory may overshadow the aesthetic qualities of the pieces. They suggest that the focus on historical trauma could limit broader interpretations of her art.

New York Observer

Mukazhanova has articulated her intent behind the exhibition, stating, “Time loses definition when you think about the souls of your ancestors. The memory is heavy with my uncle’s death alongside Qandy Qantar.” This sentiment underscores the interconnectedness of personal and collective histories in her work.

New York Observer

"Dowry of the Soul" will be on view at CHAT until March 1, 2026. Mukazhanova plans to complete her series with a total of 262 portraits, each representing a life lost during the Qandy Qantar protests, further deepening the narrative of remembrance and resilience in her art.

New York Observer

• “Much of Mukazhanova’s work responds to the tension between the rapidly globalized world and traditional ways of life,” — Wang, Art Critic

New York Observer

• “The direction of the fibers,” writes Mukazhanova, “follows my bodily movement, leaving visible traces of gesture and effort.” — Gulnur Mukazhanova

New York Observer

• “from dust you are and dust you shall return.” — Gulnur Mukazhanova

New York Observer

This exhibition not only highlights Mukazhanova's artistic prowess but also serves as a poignant reminder of the cultural and historical narratives that shape contemporary art in Kazakhstan.

New York Observer