Kazakh and Austrian Artists Launch 2025 Exhibition Season at Kazakhstan’s Presidential Center
Kazakh Artist Akzhan Ali and Austrian Artist Gerald Florian Messner Open 2025 Exhibition Season
ASTANA – The 2025 exhibition season kicked off with a bang as Kazakh artist Akzhan Ali and Austrian artist Gerald Florian Messner unveiled their joint exhibition at Kazakhstan’s Presidential Center on Jan. 23, as reported by the center’s press service.
The vernissage, titled “We are not alone,” was held in honor of the 30th anniversary of the Assembly of the People of Kazakhstan.
Akzhan Ali, a corresponding member of Kazakhstan’s Academy of Arts and an honorary member of the Union of Artists of Astana, is known for his expertise in fluid art and abstract painting. Born in the village of Korgalzhyn in the Akmola Region on Sept. 5, 1979, Ali has curated over 40 exhibitions as an art manager and has pieces in collections across Kazakhstan, Austria, Germany, Japan, the Netherlands, and Morocco.
“I am honored to present here today my works that embody my thoughts and feelings. Each painting is my journey. Gerald Florian Messner and I have been working together for about three months now, and the aim of this exhibition is to showcase the works of artists from different countries and different generations,” Ali expressed.
Gerald Florian Messner, born in 1937 in Bad Eisenkappel, Austria, is a multifaceted artist known for his work as a scientist, musician, actor, and writer. While he gained fame for his protest songs in the 1970s, Messner has shifted his focus to visual arts in recent years. His works have been displayed internationally in countries such as the United Arab Emirates, Austria, China, and Kazakhstan. Messner sees art as a fusion of various forms, combining fine art, performing art, literature, and music.
The exhibition features 25 pieces by Ali and 27 by Messner and will be open to the public until Feb. 24.
“I am very pleased that the first event in my activity was such a significant event, designed to further strengthen bilateral cooperation between our countries,” shared the newly appointed Austrian Ambassador to Kazakhstan Andrea Bacher.
The exhibition serves as a platform for cultural exchange and collaboration between Kazakhstan and Austria, showcasing the talents and perspectives of these two distinguished artists.
