Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- On 2 April 2024, the 60th Venice Biennale of Contemporary Art will open in Venice (Italy). “Foreigners Everywhere” is the theme announced by the curator of the 60th Venice Biennale, Adriano Pedrosa.

The pavilion will feature the exhibition “Don’t Miss the Cue,” which was created under the curation of the Center for Contemporary Art in Tashkent. Uzbek artist Aziza Kadiri is taking part in the project, and the Tashkent group of artists Qizlar Collective is working with her to create an exhibition for the pavilion.

The exhibition Don’t Miss Your Exit explores themes of belonging and identity through the experiences of Central Asian women, exploring how they navigate and redefine themselves through the process of migration.

“For me personally, the collaborative aspect of the creative process is key, bringing together the voices of women representing different experiences of migration, transformation and overcoming. Together, we are rethinking ways of interacting with cultural and historical heritage, in particular textiles and costume, which are associated with traditionally “feminine” crafts - through the synthesis of art and technology as tools for exploring modern Uzbek identity,” Aziza Kadiri, artist.
 
The concept of the exhibition project “Don’t miss your exit” is directly related to the stated theme of the biennale. Upon entering the pavilion, visitors will go through a complex migration path, rethinking their personal experience in the process of interacting with the installations. The exhibition creates a backstage theater atmosphere, inspired by the Houses of Culture that were located throughout Eurasia at the beginning of the 20th century.

The theatrical setting comes to life with sculptures based on designs for traditional costumes, complemented by audiovisual materials from the Qizlar Collective. The project focuses on women’s stories, collective practices and the complex relationship between the physical body and the world around it.

“It is extremely important for us to explore the topic of a woman’s identity. The artistic meanings embedded in the concept of the project are reflected both in the exhibition itself and in the catalogue, where we strive to give space to women’s voices and experiences. Working together on the national pavilion of Uzbekistan is an amazing and meaningful experience for the entire team,” Anastasia Kuryleva, executive director and coordinator of Qizlar Collective.

The exhibition also explores the interaction between technology and tradition. The hand embroidery “suzane”, characteristic of Uzbekistan, is being reinterpreted using artificial technology. Recognizable suzani patterns in artificial intelligence processing completely lose their original appearance and are virtually impossible to identify. This combination not only reinterprets traditional patterns, but also highlights cultural changes in the modern world. Through this, visitors will be able to gain a deeper understanding of the impact of technology on culture and identity as they move through each installation, redefining their personal experiences in the process.

The National Pavilion of Uzbekistan was presented for the first time at the 17th Venice Architecture Biennale in 2021, and Uzbekistan also took part in the 59th Biennale in 2022 and the 18th Architecture Biennale in 2023. In 2024, for the first time, the Center for Contemporary Art in Tashkent acts as a curator.

Special support: Saida Mirziyoyeva, Assistant to the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan

Project manager: Gayane Umerova, Chairman of the Foundation for the Development of Art and Culture of Uzbekistan

Curator: Center for Contemporary Art in Tashkent

Artist: Aziza Kadiri

Creative team: Qizlar Collective