Ilgiz shared that this event is the culmination of his ten-year study of the intersections of art, business, and neurobiology.
Previously, I focused on the mind. However, when I began to analyze emotions—from sadness to joy—color associations started to emerge in my mind. My experience in marketing, including research on the psychosemantics of color, contributed to this. For example, in Kyrgyzstan, red symbolizes not only determination but also patriotism, while blue is associated with reliability and trust. My works are an attempt to translate the language of neural processes into visual images.
- The work "Betrayal," where the canvas is physically cut, has become particularly discussed. Was this an unexpected step?- I have repeatedly returned to this concept. The desire to convey that betrayal can be compared to broken hands: forgiveness is possible, but you can no longer embrace. At some point, I realized that a regular brush was not enough, so I took a knife and made three cuts in the canvas.
Contemporary art allows one to fully express oneself. During the preparation for the exhibition, I experienced moments when I cried while creating descriptions for the paintings "Depression" and "Condemnation." I had to relive those feelings so that the text resonated with the viewers' experiences.
The exhibition "Anatomy of Human Emotions" by Ilgiz Edilson. Photo by Alimzhan Zhorobaev.
- Ilgiz, it is known that your works find buyers in different countries: Switzerland, Italy, the USA, Iceland, and the UK. How do you perceive this exhibition in Bishkek?- I am proud of my country. Patriotism for me is a process of creation that includes small steps, such as cleaning up trash in the mountains and the opportunity to share knowledge with others. I want to demonstrate to the international community that stylish and conscious exhibitions of contemporary art can be organized in Kyrgyzstan, comparable to those held in New York or London. We can maintain our uniqueness while also being modern and innovative, as Japan does.
I observe how people come, read the texts carefully, and tag me on Instagram. Art becomes a source of therapy for them. If after my exhibition at least one viewer can allow themselves to experience anger, sadness, or joy without destroying themselves and without being ashamed of their feelings, then I will have fulfilled my mission.
