Capturing Kazakhstan: A French Artist’s Unique Photo Exhibition
French artist Adèle Jelansky’s photo exhibition presents a journey through Kazakhstan
French multidisciplinary artist Adèle Jelansky’s recent photo exhibition at the National Museum of Kazakhstan on Dec. 7 showcases the result of her six-month-long creative residency in the country.
The exhibition features 45 photographic collages, chronicling Jelansky’s artistic journey throughout Kazakhstan. From Almaty to the Altai region, from Mangystau to Turkistan, from Shymkent to Karagandy, all the way to Astana, the exhibition takes viewers on a visual exploration of the country’s landscapes, people, and history.
French Ambassador to Kazakhstan Didier Canesse describes the exhibition as an expression of love for Kazakhstan, displaying unexpected pairings and overlaying images to explore the essence of the landscapes, natural, social, and historical.
For Jelansky, the exhibition marks a fulfillment of a long and slow process of exploring a new way of creativity. She describes her experience in Kazakhstan as personally and creatively fulfilling, attributing her artistic stimulation to being in new environments and out of her comfort zone.
The title of the exhibition, “Men Seni Zhaksy Koremin” or “I love/see you,” reflects Jelansky’s affection for Kazakhstan and its people. In her eyes, seeing is also loving.
Jelansky’s artistic process involves layering distinct photographs to bring out the most familiar or disturbing elements to the surface. This layering technique results in bold and colorful images that lie between a photo and a painting.
The exhibition is open to the public until Jan. 7, 2024, offering viewers an opportunity to immerse themselves in Jelansky’s unique and captivating visual storytelling of Kazakhstan.
