Art Station Gallery in Samarkand Hosts Exhibitions on Environmental Issues
2025-04-07 10:00:00 / News
During the visit, the high-profile guests were introduced to several exhibitions organized as part of the project "Art Station: Freedom of Speech, Artistic Creativity, Inclusive Dialogue, and Crossroads for Social Development," carried out in long-term collaboration with the Central Asia Arts and Culture Program supported by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC).
The gallery features the following exhibitions:
"Between Two Rivers" (April 3-5)
This exhibition addresses the environmental consequences in Uzbekistan, especially concerning dried riverbeds: once mighty rivers have diminished over time and turned into arid lands due to the intense irrigation of cotton fields. The altered landscape serves as a reminder of how socio-economic priorities shape both natural processes and the cultural identity of the region. The exhibition includes a multi-channel audiovisual installation titled "Whisper of Oxus," immersing viewers in a journey along the great Amu Darya River, historically known as "Oxus," from the glaciers of the Pamirs to the dried bed of the Aral Sea in Karakalpakstan, reflecting changes in the lives of people along its banks.
"We Speak the Language of Rivers" (April 5 - July 31)
This exhibition raises key themes such as ecology, cultural diversity, intercultural peaceful dialogue, women's empowerment, and social inclusion. The main message emphasizes each person's responsibility toward nature, society, the past, and future generations. The artworks encourage reflection on how to combat ecological disasters and injustices and how to protect the environment.
Inverted Visions (March 31 - May 31)
"Inverted Visions" is an experimental exhibition primarily focused on rethinking cultural symbols, such as "takhmon" (a traditional element of Uzbek interior design used to store valuables and symbolize social status). In the artworks, takhmon transforms into a metaphor for the intersection of identity and temporal layers.
"On the Edge. Between Catastrophe and Revival" (April 2 - June 30)
The goal of this exhibition is to illuminate current environmental issues through art: climate change, pollution, and sustainable water resource management. The project was curated by sculptor Nick Sayers as part of the sustainable urban sculpture program. Over 10 days, Uzbek artists created sculptures urging the recognition of the importance of a sustainable future. These pieces not only provide aesthetic pleasure but also provoke contemplation on ethics — the necessity of conserving natural resources, reducing waste, and timely action.