The project Distance 4635 - The Life of the Others is a collaborative effort between Bishkek Art Center and Kunstverein Rosenheim, designed to foster a meaningful dialogue through contemporary art. Rooted in the mountainous regions of Issyk Kul and Bavaria, the project examines the complex interplay between geography, culture, and art, highlighting both shared experiences and contrasts in cultural, political, and social contexts. By bringing together artists from Germany and Kyrgyzstan, Distance 4635 explores the evolving dynamics and diverse experiences shaping these regions, creating an interdisciplinary research-through-art practice that addresses the tensions between local realities and global influences. Tied to themes of globalization, the project explores how contemporary art can bridge the cultural divides between the two regions, providing a platform to reflect on the socio-political and cultural changes shaping each. At its core, Distance 4635 tackles the notion of "distance," both literally and metaphorically, exploring how geographic, cultural, and historical divides influence identity and artistic expression. This exploration invites reflection on how art can connect different ways of life and offer deeper understanding of transformation and globalization in contemporary society. Furthermore, the project addresses the evolving cultural tensions within Kyrgyzstan's contemporary art scene, especially in the post-Soviet context. The former Soviet republics of Central Asia offer fertile ground for examining the complexities of globalization and post-Soviet identity, with evolving responses to cultural and political pressures. Kyrgyzstan’s contemporary art, shaped by its unique socio-political and historical context, serves as a central focus for the project, offering a dynamic exploration of how the country's art scene is developing.

Ultimately, Distance 4635 is a timely contribution to the global conversation on the impact of globalization on contemporary art. The project successfully highlights the growing artistic vitality of Kyrgyzstan, but it also reveals the challenges of fully capturing the complexities of post-Soviet Central Asia’s evolving cultural landscape. Through this collaboration, the project underscores the power of art to transcend geographical, cultural, and political divides, sparking meaningful exchanges that contribute to an ongoing dialogue about identity, transformation, and the broader implications of globalization.