The Gapar Aitiev Museum of Fine Arts has opened a new tactile space aimed at inclusive interaction with art.
Alima Tokmergenova, a museum researcher, emphasized that this space was created as part of the permanent exhibition. It provides an opportunity for people with visual impairments, children, and anyone interested to interact with art, which is usually prohibited in museums. Here, one can "see" art through touch. All exhibits have plaques in Braille that contain their descriptions.
“We presented copies of works by Kyrgyz sculptors made by other craftsmen, as well as decorative and applied art — copies of ala-kiyiz and fragments of sherdak. Visitors can touch these items, unlike the originals. At the center of the exhibition is Gapar Aitiev's painting 'Cotton Harvesting,' next to which is a plaster copy available for tactile perception,” added Alima Tokmergenova.
She noted that this tactile corner will be permanent. All exhibits are collected in one place for the convenience of visitors, and next to each work are signs allowing them to be touched. According to Tokmergenova, even now there are people who hesitate before touching the exhibits.
