Artist Spotlight: Makum Kisamedinov

On July 19, the Almaty Museum of Arts will dedicate a day to graphic artist Makum Kisamedinov — one of the key figures in twentieth-century Kazakh art and a prominent representative of the generation of Kazakh "Sixtiers" (shestidesyatniki). Formed during the period of Khrushchev's thaw, this generation of artists, writers, and intellectuals sought to rethink national culture and history through engagement with folk heritage, literature, and historical memory. In his work, Kisamedinov combined the visual language of modernism with imagery drawn from nomadic culture and national history, creating works that became an important part of Kazakhstan's cultural heritage. Despite the constraints of the Soviet era, the artist turned to themes that rarely found a place in official art, maintaining independence of artistic expression and fidelity to his own creative vision.

The "Artist Spotlight" series offers a chance to explore a chosen artist's practice and legacy in greater depth through lectures, discussions, tours, and family art activities. The program runs once every three months, each time focusing on one artist from the museum's collection and situating their work within a broader historical and cultural context.

The panel discussion and tour are free with a museum entry ticket.

Shelude

13:00–14:30 and 15:00–16:30 | Şeberhana Workshop

Linocut Printing with Leonid Khan

An art activity for teenagers (12+) and adults, inspired by the work of Makum Kisamedinov. More details about the workshop here.

12:00-13:00 | Makum Kisamedinov: The Artist and His Era

The event will be held in Russian.

A conversation about the life, work, and significance of Makum Kisamedinov's legacy, led by art historian Kamilla Li and researcher Alen Li.

Participants will discuss Kisamedinov's place within the generation of Kazakh "Sixtiers," his contribution to the development of the national art school, and the relevance of his legacy today.

13:00-14:00 | Tour of the “Qonaqtar” Exhibition

The tour will be held in Russian.

A guided tour by an art historian Kamilla Lee that focuses on the works of Makum Kisamedinov as well as other artists from the 60’s era that are displayed at the “Qonaqtar” exhibition as part of the collection of the Almaty Museum of Arts.

17:00-18:00 | When Graphic Arts Meet Poetry: Goethe, Makhambet, and Qisamedinov

The discussion will be held in Kazakh.

A discussion featuring writer and translator Safina Aktay and poet and filmmaker Tlek Yrysbek will explore the works of Goethe and Makhambet Utemisov, their resonance with Qisamedinov's graphic works, the civic dimension of poetry, and the role of literary translation as a vital medium of intercultural dialogue. Drawing on Qisamedinov's graphic works, the speakers will examine the deep relationship between literature and visual arts.

During the day

• A slide show featuring photos from the artist’s archive.

• Zine-making activities for adults and kids (5+), inspired by the artistic practice of Makum Kisamedinov that are meant to familiarize the audience with the artist’s works displayed at the museum.