SHAARBEK AMANKUL BIOGRAPHY
Shaarbek Amankul (b.1959), one of the leading Central Asian contemporary artists, integrates conceptual approaches into the traditional, localized practices of his native ex-Soviet republic of Kyrgyzstan – in particular the nomadic way of life. Here he shows three from a projected series of 55 textiles collectively titled Hack the codes (Tradition versus Modernity). They take as their base hand-embroidered felt wall carpets from the 1950’-70’s, made by brides’ mothers or grandmothers as part of their dowries. Amankul expands on the imagery and connections made through the addition of photographic collages – and films when they are presented in installations – to reflect the challenges of an ever-changing society.
