They deal with modern issues through the prism of traditions and inter alia, help viewers empathize with the artists as they grapple with a host of problems, including a turbulent past and a troubled present.

But the upheaval has resulted in scintillating art – Dilyara uses traditional textiles to detail identity; Atabekov uses the medium of ancient ritual games to indicate affairs of a more universal scale; and Menlibayeva handles the neon world of advertising and the images and cliches of glossies, to reflect on the environment.

A totem symbolizes the concept of a quality; it is the spiritual symbol of a people, emblematic of their hopes, dreams and aspirations. “Totems of Central Asia” from Andakulova Gallery encapsulates the history and essence of Central Asian art.

ABOUT ANDAKULOVA GALLERY

Andakulova Gallery, Dubai, is a contemporary art gallery whose objective is to promote Central Asia’s contemporary visual arts. It serves as a platform to exhibit and support emerging to established contemporary artists from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan (or the ‘Stans’) across a variety of media.

Founded by Natalya Andakulova, its higher purpose is to cultivate a dialogue between Central Asia and the Middle East by re-introducing the art of the ‘Stans’ to the artistic hub of Dubai. The gallery strives to build relationships between artists, writers, specialists and collectors