more from Kyrgyzstan

more from Lori Kirk

The collaboration will explore typical icons that represent and symbolise a culture and country. Shaarbeck Amankulov interested in using natural materials from the local environment stems from Amankulov's cultural history. The Kyrgyzstan people where nomadic living from and within the material environment. These roots of Amankulov influence's his creative art making process and choice of materials. For this collaboration materials include leather, fur and animal bones. Amankulov's sculpture will be combined with Australian artist Lori Kirk's replications of the Australian Koala. Kirk comments on the "cheapening" of culture through kitsch products sold to the tourism market attempting to capture an aspect or memory of that country or culture. The koalas made from felt and other materials inspired by "shyraks" (felt rugs with appliqued coloured panels) 'ala-kiyiz' (pressed wool designs) and local folk art patterns while staying in Kyrgyzstan.



I will send images of work and Art Centre in Kyrgyzstan once i can track down a computer that down loads images and can read Russian.