ASTANA – Talented young Kazakh photographers are exhibiting their works through early April at the “Koktem. New Generation” photo exhibition in the National Museum of Kazakhstan.
The event is organised under the IdeaHub project. According to its initiator Bairam Azizov, this creative association seeks to develop and popularise photo art in Kazakhstan. It began one year ago and has since selected 20,000 works by young photographers and so-called mobilographers of Kazakhstan.
Mobilography is a growing photographic trend in which photos are taken on a digital camera and processed with applications.
“The works created by young photographers depict their visual diary, reflecting the rapid changes in society, as well as the eternal struggle between good and evil, new and old. Photographs display the authors’ attitude to the surrounding reality. Each picture is a kind of history created by a new generation. All the photographs presented at the exhibition can be bought after its completion. The proceeds will go to charity for needy children,” Azizov said.
The exhibition has allowed young people to share their vision and describe the stories behind their photographs. Darkhan Zhagiparov, for example, took up photography when he wanted to capture his wife during pregnancy.
“It turned out that my daughter was the “first step to photography. The second step was the creation of the creative association ‘IdeaHub.’ Now I have created the Loft-photo studio for future projects,” Zhagiparov said.
Another photographer Arnai Ormash is implementing the “Armenot.stories” project.
“The main idea of this project is to capture the atmosphere of our time, show the life of our city and tell stories of our residents. Today, Astana is experiencing an amazing time with new architectural trends and new image of the capital’s resident. I try to depict these amazing moments on my photos,” he said.
Photo by Arnai Ormash
According to Almaty resident Manat Karinov, the beauty and charm of his native land inspires him to create photos. He started photographing five years ago during travels around Kazakhstan.
“Photography has always been my favourite hobby and gradually I started to do it more professionally. I like street genres, reportage and documentary photography,” he said.
Zhomart Aralbaiuly became interested in photography when he got his first Polaroid camera. He used to take photos of relatives at family events and activities. Now, he dreams of taking photos for the National Geographic.
“I am an amateur photographer. I started doing photography four years ago. Over these years, I have visited many parts of our vast country. I always wanted to capture the full contrast of Kazakhstan, whether it is Dossor village in Atyrau or Markakol in the East Kazakhstan region. My friends and I are very pleased to present our photos at this exhibition. As I know, famous ABR restaurant chain supported our initiative. I would like to thank them for this opportunity to exhibit our photographs in the main museum of our country. I want to express gratitude to our friend Bairam Azizov; without him nothing would have happened,” he said.
Exhibition organisers also held a discussion on the development of photo art and a master class for novice photographers.
