ASTANA – The façade of a three-story residential building in the capital’s Saryarka district turned into an art object with the conclusion of Urban Street Art Fest July 16 to 30. The open-air gallery includes the works of classics of Kazakh art from the collection of Kasteyev State Museum of Arts.
Photo credit: Facebook page Arman Turlubek.
“Urban Street Art Fest presented eight outstanding murals of Kazakh and foreign artists. Astana residents have already seen many of them, but today we are pleased to present the big piece of art,” announced Akim (Mayor) of the Saryarka District Arman Turlubek in an Aug. 6 Facebook post.
The house represents an entire gallery in the open-air.
The house with paintings is located at 5 Mambetova Street, on the continuing part of the so called Arbat, on the stretch from the Kenessary Avenue to Abai Street, said Turlubek.
Photo credit: Facebook page Arman Turlubek.
“Reproduction of classics of Kazakh art decorate the building’s first floor facade. The works of young Kazakh artist, Alexandra Kalacheva, are presented in the building’s second and third floors, imitating the gallery space,” Olga Veselova, Urban Street Art Fest organiser and deputy director of the Eurasian Cultural Alliance, told The Astana Times.
“One of the main tasks of a modern city is to return residents into their streets, activate public space and provide quality cultural recreation. As famous urbanist Riccardo Marini points out, the human brain needs stimulation with a frequency of a few seconds to keep it entertained. This has to be taken into account while designing the streets. The open-air gallery project is initiated in order to increase the concern for the urban environment,” added Veselova.
People can enjoy the works of famous artists such as Abilkhan Kasteyev, Tursun Abuov, Gulfairus Ismailova, Shaimardan Sariyev, Gani Bayanov, Maria Lizogub and Aisha Galimbayeva, said Turlubek.
Photo credit: Facebook page Arman Turlubek.
“I think, soon, it will become the famous house with paintings. It is located in a quieter part of the street, containing mostly office blocks. With no doubts, it will be a must visit place for residents and tourists,” added Turlubek.
The presented reproduction of artists’ works is made of the materials for facade works that are designed for such various temperature changes and weather conditions as rain, snow, sun and wind, added Veselova.
“The project promotes the popularisation of Kazakh culture, which is one of the main priorities of the Ruhani Zhangyru programme,” she added.
