2015 NOMADIC ART CAMP

Nomadic Art Camp 2015: Stocktaking for Broader Promotion of Sustainable Management of Mountain Resources and Landscapes

The 2015 camp brought together young artists from Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, France, Switzerland, and Germany to explore the sustainable management of mountain resources and landscapes. Held in August, the artists lived in yurts for two weeks along the shore of the stunning Issyk-Kul Lake in Kyrgyzstan. This immersive experience allowed participants to deeply engage with both the natural environment and the traditional nomadic lifestyle. Through their visual art, the artists addressed key questions related to the preservation of natural wealth, the role of traditional knowledge, and the sustainable management of mountain resources. The choice of yurts as their accommodation was deliberate. As traditional nomadic dwellings, yurts symbolize a harmonious relationship with nature, reflecting sustainable living practices that have been embedded in the nomadic way of life for centuries. Living in these portable homes, the artists immersed themselves in the rhythms of nomadic culture, fostering a deeper connection to the land. The unspoiled beauty of the Issyk-Kul region, surrounded by majestic mountains and clear waters, provided an ideal backdrop for reflecting on ecological preservation and resource management.

The core objective of the camp was to inspire artists to reflect on their personal experiences and impressions of the natural surroundings and the traditional nomadic lifestyle. They were encouraged to express their thoughts through various art forms, including painting, sculpture, photography, and installation. Their works explored the relationship between humans and the environment, focusing on issues such as balancing the preservation of natural resources with the pressures of modern development. Key themes explored in the artworks included: How traditional knowledge can contribute to the sustainable management of natural resources; The unique challenges nomadic cultures face in preserving their lifestyle while adapting to modern pressures; The role of contemporary art in raising awareness of biodiversity and the importance of maintaining healthy ecosystems amidst environmental degradation.

A central aspect of the project was highlighting Traditional Ecological Knowledge —the practices passed down through generations of nomadic communities that enable sustainable resource management. These practices, which emphasize balance with nature, were explored through dialogue with local nomads. The artists gained valuable insights into how nomadic communities have managed resources sustainably despite limited access to modern technologies. The project underscored the importance of preserving these traditional practices, not only as cultural heritage but also as vital contributions to the global conversation on environmental sustainability. By bringing together artists from diverse cultural backgrounds, the camp fostered cross-cultural dialogue on sustainability. The artworks produced became powerful tools for communicating the importance of protecting both natural resources and cultural traditions. Through their art, the artists raised awareness about sustainable resource management and the preservation of cultural heritage, contributing to the global dialogue on sustainability and environmental conservation as a vital intersection of art, culture, and sustainability. In 2016, an exhibition at the Kyrgyz National Museum of Fine Arts in Bishkek provided a platform for the artists to present their messages to a broader audience. The exhibition showcased their thought-provoking works, sparking discussions on the importance of preserving both the environment and traditional knowledge.

Artistic Direction and Curatorial Leadership: Shaarbek Amankul