ALMATY – An exhibition of more than 130 artworks by Kazakh youth titled, “The Country of Drawing,” opened recently at the State Kasteyev Museum of Arts.
The artworks focus on themes of wildlife, space, fairy tales, cartoons, books, hobbies and travel. They included such fantastical depictions as flying elephants, talking flowers and mischievous bunny rabbits. The works were created in a wide variety of mediums including, watercolours, gouache, acrylic, batik, stained glass, applique and grattage. Decorative ornaments, sequins and clay were also used.
“The exhibition presents completely new works. ‘The Country of Drawing’ shows how talented our children are. Each [set of artwork is based on a particular topic] and each is the result of the hard work of the teacher,” says art critic Tatiana Martysheva.
The works were created by youth who are members of the Tomiris creative club, which was created more than 10 years ago by graphic artist Tomiris Dzhilkibayeva. Dzhilkibayeva, whose works were also shown at the exhibition, organised the club to teach art to children ages 4 to 15. She has taught them the fundamentals of classical and modern art techniques to help the children express themselves.
Many of the club’s students are now permanent members of the club and participate in its annual exhibitions. Those members include Olga Yegorova, Rania Nugumanova, sisters Agila, Aibibi and Sophia Kuan, Iligai and Kairat Turakulov, Valeria Devism, Lena Tolkachenko, Dima Ann and Darina Kurbanova.
