"Zhol: Spiritual Search in Central Asian Art"

Aspan Gallery presents "Zhol: Spiritual Search in Central Asian Art".

The title of the exhibition derives from the Kazakh word zhol, meaning “path” or “way,” and refers to the Sufi understanding of the path as a continuous journey of seeking, in which the destination matters less than the movement itself and the experience and knowledge gained along the way. The exhibition explores why Sufi practices, shamanic traditions, and other mystical teachings have attracted several generations of Central Asian artists, and how this interest has evolved from the late Soviet period to the present day.

Sufism came to Central Asia many centuries ago and has had a profound influence on the region’s culture. During the Soviet period, religious and spiritual practices were largely excluded from public life. By the late 1980s, and particularly following the collapse of the Soviet Union, however, artists’ interest in pre-Soviet history, traditional beliefs, and cultural identity grew significantly. For many artists, turning to forgotten or suppressed layers of culture became a way of reconnecting with the past and developing an artistic language of their own.

Participating artists: Umida Akhmedova (b. 1955) and Oleg Karpov (b. 1963); Bakhyt Bubikanova (1985–2023); Aruzhan Zhumabek (b. 1997); Gulnara Kasmaliyeva (b. 1960) and Muratbek Dzhumaliyev (b. 1965); the art group Kyzyl Tractor (est. 1990); Almagul Menlibayeva (b. 1969); Moldakul Narymbetov (1948–2012); Zilola Saidova (b. 1972); Abdrashit Sydykhanov (1937–2011); Han Mengyun (b. 1989); Arystanbek Shalbayev (b. 1959).

Curator: Maryamgul Yesken

Exhibition dates: 30 September – 15 November 2026

Wednesday, 30 September | 6 pm - 8 pm - Exhibition Opening, Aspan Gallery

Opening hours:

Tue-Sat: 11 am - 7 pm

Sun: 12 pm - 6 pm

Adress: Villa Boutiques & Restaurants, 140 A/3 Al Farabi, lower ground floor, Almaty. Free entrance.