Capital of Kazakhstan Exhibits GASYR Undertaking, Graphic Narrative Recounting Successions
Revamped Reflections: GASYR Unveils a Tale of Time and Resilience
Astana's LM Kulanshi creative space played host to the revealing of the GASYR project, a visual narrative showcasing 100 portraits of Kazakhstanians spanning from newborns to centenarians. Photos courtesy of The Astana Times
More than just a collection of faces, this exhibition delves into the flow of time, life, and generations in Kazakhstan. Each portrait presents a story, featuring the essence of an era through expressions and lived experiences. By intertwining past, present, and future, the exhibition illustrates the physical progression of time and Kazakhstan's resilience, traditions, and character. Covering every stage of life, the project reflects the continuous nature of human existence and national heritage.
Leila Makhat, the creator of the project, shared her inspirations with The Astana Times:
"On a flight one day, I realized we overlook much in life since it moves so fast. We're bombarded with information and forget about our personal changes and the evolution of new generations. That's when I came up with portraits of people who have experienced a great deal, those just starting their journey, and those who have built their lives, ranging from zero to 100 years," Makhat revealed.
To make her vision a reality, Makhat enlisted the expertise of renowned photographer Ali Ospan, renowned for his soul-touching portraits characterized by thoughtful compositions, attentive detail, and emotion.
The six-month endeavor will culminate in an exhibition scheduled for May, featuring individuals from diverse ethnic groups across the nation, showcasing their unity and diversity.
A Journey Through Time and Memory
Discussing the GASYR project, Ali Ospan described it as a tribute to the passage of time, the enduring nature of memory, tradition, and humanity:
"This is all about us, our communities, our Kazakhstan. It's a reminder that time continues to roll forward, but our memories and heritage remain strong," Ospan explained.
Ospan immersed himself in each subject's life story and emotions to uncover their individuality. Through conversations and visits to nursing homes and hospices, Ospan captured sincere moments shared by project participants who desired to share their personal histories.
"Time and again, when asking participants about their happiest moments, they spoke about their families. This experience prompted me to ponder what truly matters in life," Ospan mused.
Personal Everyday Stories
Gulzifa Kumarkyzy, a 74-year-old participant from Astana, joined the project by chance, feeling drawn to its enchanting atmosphere reminiscent of her past work promoting creativity.
Kumarkyzy marveled at the coverage spanning 100 years, expressing curiosity about the final result and finding the portraits to be more than mere images, but windows to their subjects' lives:
"It's not just about faces- it's about the stories and lives behind them. Ospan excels at capturing a person's true essence, making this project a century's portrait," Kumarkyzy reflected.
Diana Batishcheva, whose 10-year-old son participated, admired the project's depth:
"Ospan approached the project as a psychologist. He built genuine connections with individuals, creating trust and capturing emotions. His aim was not just to take a picture but to evoke thoughts and emotions," Batishcheva praised.
The GASYR project includes 100 portraits representing 60 professions, 50 men and women, 30 working individuals, and 18 ethnic groups. It features industry leaders, social workers, scientists, artists, veteran mothers, war veterans, and more such as the celebrated Kazakh author Mukhtar Shakhanov.
- Leila Makhat's project, GASYR, covers every stage of life, reflecting the continuous nature of human existence and national heritage, from newborns to centenarians.
- Ali Ospan, the photographer for the GASYR project, believes the exhibition is a tribute to the passage of time, the enduring nature of memory, tradition, and humanity.
- Diana Batishcheva, whose son participated in the GASYR project, admires Ali Ospan's approach as a psychologist, building genuine connections with individuals, creating trust, and capturing emotions.
- The GASYR project also features portraits of people from various professions, including industry leaders, scientists, artists, and social workers, demonstrating the diversity of careers within Kazakhstan.
