Photos by Ulugbek Babakulov. Photography exhibition in Paris
In the heart of France, the exhibition titled Regards sur l’Asie Centrale was opened, dedicated to the culture of Central Asia. Photographers from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan participated in this project, showcasing their best works.
This event has become one of the most significant cultural happenings of the season in France. The exhibition offers not just a collection of photographs but immerses viewers in an atmosphere of memory, traditions, and human stories, where the past and present intertwine like the threads of an Eastern carpet.
Askat Akhmedyarov, an artist from Kazakhstan, opens the exhibition with reflections on identity. His works represent a dialogue with history, a desire to rethink the legacy of socialism and the Soviet era.
Kyrgyz representative Alimzhan Zhorobayev introduces viewers to post-Soviet changes. His project "Mirages of Communism" can be perceived as a chronicle of generations caught in turmoil during the chaos of the 1990s and the harsh realities of subsequent years. The black-and-white photographs reflect shattered dreams, economic instability, and deep emotional upheavals experienced by millions of people.
Shailoo Jekshenbaev, also from Kyrgyzstan, offers a unique, poetic view of life. In his works, ruins become a symbol of existence, and urban spaces of transitional times open a portal to a world where beauty and destruction coexist.
Uzbekistan is represented by Ernest Kurtveliev. His photographs fill the exhibition with energy and dynamism. The series dedicated to the ancient game "kukpari" is full of horses, dust, shouts, and brotherhood. This tradition, passed down through generations, is a living organism, at the heart of which beats the life of all Central Asia. His shots capture not only sporting moments but also rituals of strength, resilience, and unity.
The organizers emphasize that the exhibition dedicated to Central Asia is a rare event for Europe. Visitors note that after viewing the exhibition, it is impossible to remain indifferent.
