Nomadic Art Camp 2012:

The Significance of Identity and Biocultural Heritage of Mountain Landscapes in Contemporary Times

The Nomadic Art Camp 2012 was a multifaceted project that seamlessly integrated intellectual discourse, collaborative creativity, and artistic exploration. Structured around three main components, this initiative aimed to foster cross-cultural dialogue and inspire innovative artistic interpretations of themes rooted in nomadic traditions, local histories, and contemporary practices.

The first component of the project was an intellectually stimulating symposium held in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. This gathering brought together artists, philosophers, and curators from a diverse range of countries—including Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Turkey, Switzerland, France, and Germany—to exchange ideas and explore the intersections of art, culture, and the philosophy of nomadic life. Through presentations, discussions, and debates, participants delved into the historical and conceptual foundations of nomadic identity, the evolution of contemporary art in Central Asia, and the role of art in both global and local contexts. This symposium provided the theoretical foundation for the project’s artistic endeavors and served as a platform for building connections among creatives from both international and regional backgrounds.

The second phase of the project was the Nomadic Art Camp, an immersive artistic experience set against the breathtaking backdrop of Issyk-Kul Lake. Rich in history and natural beauty, this location served as the perfect setting for translating the theoretical ideas discussed during the symposium into tangible artistic expressions. Artists collaborated closely, drawing inspiration from the nomadic lifestyle, the surrounding environment, and the philosophical insights shared during the symposium. The camp was designed not only as a space for individual artistic exploration but also as a forum for cross-disciplinary collaboration. Participants experimented with various media—sculpture, performance, painting, and installation—to reflect on themes such as movement, home, cultural exchange, and the evolving experience of nomadism in the modern world.

The final component of the project involved a series of exhibitions showcasing the contemporary works created during the Nomadic Art Camp. Held at the prestigious Kyrgyz National Museum of Fine Arts in Bishkek, these exhibitions provided a platform for both local and international audiences to engage with the creative outputs of the artists. The displayed artworks ranged from conceptual pieces to interactive installations, each offering a unique interpretation of the central themes explored during the symposium and the art camp. This exhibition not only celebrated the artistic achievements of the participants but also provided an opportunity to reflect on the cultural exchange and collaborative process that unfolded throughout the project.

Overall, the Nomadic Art Camp 2012 was a dynamic and transformative initiative that bridged the theoretical and artistic realms. It fostered international collaboration while addressing critical questions surrounding cultural identity, mobility, and the role of art in a rapidly evolving world. Through a fusion of dialogue, creative expression, and exhibition, the project provided a rich, multifaceted experience that left a lasting impact on all participants and audiences alike.

Participants of the Symposium at the Kyrgyz National Museum of Fine Arts in Bishkek:

Hans Peter Maag (CH), George Steinmann (CH), Christof Roesch (CH), Helen Hirsch (CH), Sonja Trachsel (CH), Sonja Wespi (CH), Franziska Landrach, Richard Heider (GE), Marie-Dominique Dhelsing (FR), Deniz Beşer (TR), Osman Koç (TR), Seiyl Nurdin (CN), Aikyn Tursun (CN), Bakhyt Bubikanova (KZ), Syrlybek Bekbontaev (KZ), Daler Rahmatov (TJ), Daler Mikhtodzhov (TJ), Konstantin Parshin (TJ), Vera Karnaukhova (TJ), Emil Shukurov (KG), Emil Umetaliev (KG), Ibraim Talip (KG), Aitmatov Murataaly (KG), Murat  Suiunbaev (KG), Bakhtiar Koychuev (KG),  Elmira Kochumkulova (KG), Gamal Bokonbaev (KG), Asel Murzakulova (KG), Hur Beisheeva (KG), Dyatlenko Pavel (KG), Sahobidin Mirzaev (KG), Alena Smirnova (KG), Talant Ogobaev (KG), Nurlan Asanbekov (KG), Dinara Alymova (KG), Azat Boronbaev (KG), Almasbek Samidinov (KG), Arstanbek Myrzaev (KG), Farhad Rusiev (KG), Ermek Jenish (KG), Sultan Boronchev (KG),  Kalicha Umuralieva (KG), Anatoly Kolesnikov (KG), Chingyz Aidarov (KG), Erkaim Nazarova (KG).

Curator: Shaarbek Amankul

Participants of the Nomadic Art Camp at Issyk-Kul Lake:

Franziska Landrach (CH),  Marie-Dominique Dhelsing (FR), Deniz Beşer (TR), Osman Koç (TR), Seiyl Nurdin (CN), Aikyn Tursun (CN), Bakhyt Bubikanova (KZ), Syrlybek Bekbotaev (KZ), Daler Rahmatov (TJ), Daler Mikhtodzhov (TJ), Konstantin Parshin (TJ), Vera Karnaukhova (TJ), Arstanbek Myrzaev (KG), Hur Beisheeva (KG), Sahobidin Mirzaev (KG), Almasbek Samidinov (KG), Alena Smirnova (KG), Adil uulu Argen (KG), Azat Boronbaev (KG), Farhad Rusiev (KG), Sultan Boronchev (KG),  Erkaim Nazarova (KG), Tatyana Nadina (KG)  

Participants of the Nomadic Art Camp at Issyk-Kul Lake:

Franziska Landrach (CH),  Marie-Dominique Dhelsing (FR), Deniz Beşer (TR), Osman Koç (TR), Seiyl Nurdin (CN), Aikyn Tursun (CN), Bakhyt Bubikanova (KZ), Syrlybek Bekbotaev (KZ), Daler Rahmatov (TJ), Daler Mikhtodzhov (TJ), Konstantin Parshin (TJ), Vera Karnaukhova (TJ), Arstanbek Myrzaev (KG), Hur Beisheeva (KG), Sahobidin Mirzaev (KG), Almasbek Samidinov (KG), Alena Smirnova (KG), Adil uulu Argen (KG), Azat Boronbaev (KG), Farhad Rusiev (KG), Sultan Boronchev (KG),  Erkaim Nazarova (KG), Tatyana Nadina (KG). 

Participants of the art exhibition at the Kyrgyz National Museum of Fine Arts in Bishkek:

Sonja Wespi (CH), Franziska Landrach (CH),  Marie-Dominique Dhelsing (FR), Deniz Beşer (TR), Osman Koç (TR), Seiyl Nurdin (CN), Aikyn Tursun (CN), Bakhyt Bubikanova (KZ), Syrlybek Bekbotaev (KZ), Almagul Menlibaeva (KG), Daler Rahmatov (TJ), Daler Mikhtodzhov (TJ), Konstantin Parshin (TJ), Vera Karnaukhova (TJ), Hur Beisheeva (KG), Janarbek Aman (KG), Sahobidin Mirzaev (KG), Alena Smirnova (KG), Almasbek Samidinov (KG), Azat Boronbaev (KG), Farhad Rusiev (KG), Sultan Boronchev (KG), Erkaim Nazarova (KG), Tatyana Nadina (KG), Mamat Kamchibekov (KG), Arstanbek Myrzaev (KG), Anatoly Kolesnikov (KG), Eugeny Boikov (KG), Yuristanbek Shygaev (KG), Konstantin Shkurpela (KG), Mikhail Tomilov (KG). 

Traveling exhibitions: Participants exhibited at the Karakol Artists Union Gallery in Karakol City.

Sonja Wespi (CH), Deniz Beşer (TR), Bakhyt Bubikanova (KZ), Syrlybek Bekbotaev (KZ), Daler Rahmatov (TJ), Daler Mikhtodzhov (TJ), Konstantin Parshin (TJ), Vera Karnaukhova (TJ), Arstanbek Myrzaev (KG), Sahobidin Mirzaev (KG), Alena Smirnova (KG), Tatyana Nadina (KG), Temirbek Asanov (KG), Farhad Rusiev (KG), Amankojo Jundubaev (KG), Baktybek Musaev (KG), Konushbek Moldogaziev (KG).

Participants exhibited at the Jalalabad State University in Jalalabad city: 

Sonja Wespi (CH), Deniz Beşer (TR), Osman Koç (TR), Bakhyt Bubikanova (KZ), Syrlybek Bekbotaev (KZ), Daler Rahmatov (TJ), Daler Mikhtodzhov (TJ), Konstantin Parshin (TJ), Vera Karnaukhova (TJ), Arstanbek Myrzaev (KG), Sahobidin Mirzaev (KG), Alena Smirnova (KG), Tatyana Nadina (KG),  Sultan Boronchev (KG)

Participants exhibited at the Osh Fine Arts Museum in Osh city:

Sonja Wespi (CH), Deniz Beşer (TR), Osman Koç (TR), Bakhyt Bubikanova (KZ), Syrlybek Bekbotaev (KZ), Daler Rahmatov (TJ), Daler Mikhtodzhov (TJ), Konstantin Parshin (TJ), Vera Karnaukhova (TJ), Arstanbek Myrzaev (KG), Sahobidin Mirzaev (KG), Alena Smirnova (KG), Tatyana Nadina (KG),  Sultan Boronchev (KG), Saltanat Kaibyldaeva (KG), Bakhyt Ormokeev (KG), Asel Ormokeeva (KG), Kimiya Torogeldieva (KG), Datka Belekova (KG), Anatoly Chybin (KG), Doolot Alibaev (KG), Zura Turdubaeva, Mederbek Isaev (KG). 

Contributing Texts for the Catalogue:
Shaarbek Amankul (KG), Hanspeter Maag (CH), Anemone Vostell (DE), Franziska Laedrach (CH), Osman Koç (TR), Farkhad Ruziev (KG).

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Nomadic Art Camp 2013