Bukhara Biennial: A Cultural Renaissance in Central Asia
This autumn, Bukhara, the historical Central Asian city long associated with the Silk Road, prepares to launch the Bukhara Biennial. Spanning ten weeks starting September 5, this inaugural cultural event promises to rekindle the spirit of exchange between artists and communities, drawing both international and local talent.
Details of the Biennial
Commissioned by the Uzbekistan Art and Culture Development Foundation, the Bukhara Biennial is under the curatorial direction of Diana Campbell, a prominent American curator. Artists from across the globe, including acclaimed British sculptor Antony Gormley and Colombian multidisciplinary artist Delcy Morelos, will join hands with Uzbek artists, such as the noted ceramicist Abdulvahid Bukhoriy Karimov, to present site-specific exhibitions, workshops, and feasts.
Highlighted Local Talent
One of the highlighted local creatives is Jenia Kim, a Korean Uzbek designer with an 11-year-old brand, J.Kim. Her distinctive fashion pieces, featuring knotted flower-shaped cutouts known as tugun, symbolize the fabric bundles used by Uzbeks for transport. Inspired by her grandparents’ historical migration during the 1930s, Kim’s designs reflect both personal and cultural narratives. Campbell emphasizes Kim’s artistic thought process, praising how her work encapsulates the experiences of the Korean migrant community in Uzbekistan.
A Celebration of Community
Earlier this month, Kim and Campbell hosted a gathering at Kim’s boutique in Tashkent, celebrating both the upcoming Biennial and Nowruz, the Persian New Year. The event brought together a diverse group of twelve guests, including Korean Zen Buddhist nun and renowned chef Jeong Kwan, who traveled to Uzbekistan to contribute to the Biennial.
Guest List and Collaboration
The gathering featured notable figures such as Korean artist and curator Oh Kyung Soon and Uzbek video artist Gulnoza Irgasheva. Architect Wael Al Awar discussed plans for restoring significant historic structures in Bukhara as part of the Biennial’s vision.
An Enchanting Venue
Kim’s boutique, characterized by dark wood and botanical-print wallpapers, served as a unique venue for the event. The décor included pomegranates symbolizing fertility, elegantly placed to resonate with the spirit of spring. Traditional dishes created by Kim, alongside Uzbek chef Vladimir Kogay, showcased culinary art with a contemporary flair.
Culinary Delights
Guests indulged in a selection of sculptural snacks, such as pumpkin-filled samsa and vividly presented hummus balls. Desserts like chak-chak and sumalak celebrated local culinary traditions, aligning with the festive atmosphere of Nowruz.
A Memorable Experience
Upon arrival, guests experienced traditional handwashing, underlining the cultural practices of Uzbek hospitality, before enjoying freshly squeezed pomegranate juice and warming up with tea in the evening. Ethereal flute music, composed by Ukrainian artist Nastya Vogan, enhanced the enchanting ambiance while bringing attention to Bukhara’s ecological heritage.
Reflections and Future Projects
Attendees also shared insights from their visit to a significant collection of Korean Uzbek art. This collection, cultivated by entrepreneur Kim Anatoliy, encapsulates two decades of artistic endeavors and includes works from various regional artists. Daria Kim, Anatoliy’s daughter, plans to animate selected pieces for the Biennial, reflecting a blend of familial history and artistic innovation.
Cultivating Creativity
According to Campbell, the inclusion of unexpected guests enhances the dynamic of gatherings. “I treat parties like a recipe and guests like ingredients,” she stated, emphasizing the importance of surprise in creating memorable experiences.
The Bukhara Biennial promises to be a pivotal moment for cultural exchange, celebrating Uzbekistan’s rich heritage and contemporary creativity while fostering global connections.
