An unique event will take place in Bishkek from March 31 to April 3, 2026, at the Kyrgyz National Museum of Fine Arts named after Gapar Aitiev. The exhibition, dedicated to the art of Ebru, will be held with the support of the Embassy of the Republic of Turkey and organized by the "Ebristan" foundation, as reported by representatives of the Turkish embassy in Kyrgyzstan.
Ebru is an art form that has traveled a long way from Central Asia to Anatolia, and now it is once again presented in its historical homeland. This ancient art of painting on water, which has gained worldwide recognition, will be accessible to the audience in Kyrgyzstan.
The exhibition will feature Hikmet Barutçugil as the honored guest, a leading master of Ebru who has been awarded the title of "Living Human Treasure" by UNESCO. His unique techniques and modern interpretations have brought Ebru to the international stage, giving the art a universal artistic language.
Additionally, the exhibition will serve as a platform for Kyrgyz artist Mukhlisa Imamova, a student of Hikmet Barutçugil, who is actively developing Ebru in Kyrgyzstan. As part of her project "Ebru House Ebristan Bishkek," she promotes this art form by reinterpreting the cultural symbols of the country through Ebru techniques.
Visitors to the exhibition will be able to enjoy the works of artists and witness live demonstrations of Ebru techniques. The program includes the creation of flags of Kyrgyzstan and Turkey, as well as the Aygul flower, symbolizing the Batken region. Guests will not only be able to observe the process but also immerse themselves in this unique art.
"This event unites the heritage of a common past with modern aesthetic trends, serving as a vivid example of cultural rapprochement between the two countries," noted the embassy.
Art lovers are invited to the opening of the exhibition, which will take place on March 31, 2026, at 15:00 in the Fine Arts Museum.
The art of Ebru represents a unique technique of "painting on water," where patterns are created using paints on the surface of a thickened liquid and then transferred onto paper, fabric, or wood. Visitors will be able to see the meditative process of creating patterns, often accompanied by master classes from artists, turning this process into a dance of colors.
