Turkey–Kyrgyzstan Friendship Reflected in Art: “YANKI” Painting Exhibition Opens
The Faculty of Fine Arts of Kyrgyz-Turkish Manas University hosted the opening of the “YANKI (TabiArt Art Group) Painting Exhibition” at the Kurmancan Datka Art Gallery. Bringing together the works of artists from Türkiye and Kyrgyzstan who embrace the Impressionist style, the exhibition stands as a remarkable example of the cultural and artistic interaction between the two brotherly countries.
The opening ceremony was attended by H.E. Dr. Mekin Mustafa Kemal Ökem, Ambassador of the Republic of Türkiye to Bishkek; Tahir Osman Tahir, Representative of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus in Bishkek; Prof. Dr. Alpaslan Ceylan, Rector of Kyrgyz-Turkish Manas University; Prof. Dr. Almaz Ibrayev, Acting Rector; Vice Rectors Prof. Dr. İsmet Altıntaş and Prof. Dr. Kamalbek Karımşakov, as well as academics, students, artists, and numerous art enthusiasts.
The exhibition features works by TabiArt Art Group members Sabri Öztürk, Teymur Ağalıoğlu, and Orhan Zafer from Türkiye, alongside Taalay Musurmankulov, Talgat Bokoev, and Arstan Dukuev from Kyrgyzstan. Through an Impressionist perspective, the artists portray the natural beauty, historical sites, and rich cultural heritage of both countries, conveying the universal language of art on canvas.
In his opening remarks, H.E. Dr. Mekin Mustafa Kemal Ökem stated that Kyrgyzstan, with its unique nature, light, and atmosphere, is a country that embodies the spirit of Impressionism. He emphasized that the artists successfully reflected this beauty in their works.
Prof. Dr. Alpaslan Ceylan, Rector of Kyrgyz-Turkish Manas University, highlighted that Manas University is an institution that values art and artists. Stressing the importance of art in the development of civilizations, he noted that the artworks on display aesthetically reflect the shared cultural heritage and brotherly ties between Türkiye and Kyrgyzstan.
The participating artists stated that Impressionism is fundamentally an attempt to capture the ever-changing light, colors, and atmosphere of nature and life. Their goal, they explained, is not to reproduce objects exactly as they are, but to convey the spirit of the moment and the impression it leaves behind.
Members of TabiArt Art Group emphasized that art is a universal bridge connecting different cultures and people, and that the bonds of friendship and brotherhood between Türkiye and Kyrgyzstan are further strengthened through artistic exchange.
Organized by the Faculty of Fine Arts, the “YANKI” Painting Exhibition continues to welcome visitors at the Kurmancan Datka Art Gallery. The exhibition will remain open to the public for five days.
