Georgian National Museum hosts exhibition ‘Undiscovered Kazakhstan‘
On May 29, at Georgian National Gallery, Tbilisi, a picturesque exhibition of Kazakhstan was opened. It is one of the brightest projects supported by the Fund of the First President of the country. The exhibition was called “Undiscovered Kazakhstan”
The Ambassador of Kazakhstan to Georgia, H.E. Mr. Yermukhamet Yertysbayev quoted the phrase from the famous Georgian song “Tbiliso” that sounds approximately like that: ‘Where else can we find a similarly beautiful place as Tbilisi?’ “Having lived here, I have seen that this is true. Georgia is a country representing one of the most ancient civilizations, with wonderful natural beauty. But when you look at these photos today, I think that you will be convinced that Kazakhstan is no less beautiful than Georgia,” said Yertysbayev. “Considering the fact that we are the 9th largest country in the world, this exhibition represents just a small fragment of the unbelievably beautiful places of our homeland.”
The organizer, author and initiator of the exhibition is citizen of Kazakhstan, Konstantine Kikvidze, of Georgian origins whose parents left Georgia for Kazakhstan in the tough social upheaval of the 1990s.
The Presidential Fund, which pursues cultural, educational, social, charitable and other socio-political goals, gave the Georgian artist a chance to self-realise. Kikvidze declares Kazakhstan his second homeland.
The Foundation of Nursultan Nazarbayev creates additional opportunities for those who have the desire, ability and limited resources. It has a pronounced practical, applied focus, which is particularly well illustrated by the activities of the Council and the Council of Young Scientists working at the Foundation since 2007 whose aim is to identify and encourage talented young people and support the most important research works, allowing the most progressive youth to realise their ambitious plans.
The Ambassador noted that the Kazakh-Georgian relations have deep historical roots. He added that the projects that appear in modernity are good examples and a mirror of these tight connections. “I declare the exhibition open with pleasure,” he said. “I would like to note that there are some corners in our country where human footsteps have never walked. Therefore, I invite with pleasure all people who love extreme tourism. Welcome to Kazakhstan!”
President of the Foundation of the First President of Kazakhstan, Sergey Tokhtarov: “Several years ago, the Fund supported the initiative of young painters. This exhibition from north to south, as well as from west to east, disclosed a number of unknown places even for locals. There is a wide variety of natural-climate zones. We selected only 40 photos out of numerous photos by our taste, focusing on diversity of the Kazakh nature. I hope that such projects will make our friendly ties even deeper.”
Giorgi Gegechkori, Advisor to the Minister of Culture of Georgia: “I am very glad that our national museum has receives this wonderful exhibition in its premises. There are countries that are like gifts of God. From what I see today, I can see that Kazakhstan is a really special country. I would call it a state from the space. I would call each of these photos artistic ones and their authors – artists. These works on display today summon you as if telling: come soon, visit our country and see with your own eyes how all these look in reality. We have been friends and hope that our friendship will continue. Our Ministry is always ready to receive [Kazakhi] poets, musicians, writers and painters. I hope that soon, Georgian cultural days will be held in Kazakhstan.”
The exhibition was opened with the accompaniment of a popular Kazakh musical group, playing on national instruments. Following on from its succesful stay in Tbilisi and, prior to that, Moscow and Budapest, the photos will move to Beijing.
Note from the author: Kazakhs are known to this writer as very warm people. It is good that state-to-state and business-to-business level relations are developing so well. That said, the people-to-people level is always the most important moment! So, viva the friendship between the two nations! Let us thank this country for the wonderful opportunity they gave to Georgians economically, and as it is shown, in the creative direction as well.
Maka Lomadze