Il Padiglione del Kirghizistan alla Biennale di Venezia getta un ponte tra due culture
Alexey Morosov presents "BELEK" at the Kyrgyzstan Pavilion of the 61st Venice Biennale, a project inspired by the mountainous landscapes, glaciers, and brutalist dams of Kyrgyzstan. Combining video, sculpture, painting, and sound, Morosov explores water as a key resource for the future and a deep cultural memory of Central Asia, linking the region's hydro-engineering transformations with the nomadic heritage of the Kyrgyz people. The project centers on the traditional equestrian game Kok-Börü, which Morosov describes as constitutive of Kyrgyz identity, and features centaur-like figures made from raw earth used in local dwellings.
The pavilion matters because it bridges two cultures—Kyrgyzstan's ancient nomadic traditions and contemporary global art discourse—while addressing urgent themes of water distribution and shared responsibility among nations. Morosov's work aligns with the Biennale theme "In Minor Keys," offering a nuanced perspective on how a young nation with an ancient people preserves its intangible heritage amid political change. The project also highlights the role of traditional practices like Kok-Börü as expressions of collective identity, making a case for art as a vehicle for cultural diplomacy and environmental reflection.