Yelaman Muqtarkhan
solo show
01-30.06.2024
Yelaman Muktarkhan’s solo exhibition is an artistic anthropological research of queer resistance carried through her personal experience living in a binary system. It’s a full-time job being non-binary consists of 8 series of works, with references to various specific worlds of popular visual and game cultures, recognizable to us. Muktarkhan uses these symbols as the basis for exploring their own queer identity. Through the lens of queer optics and game culture, the artist navigates through themes of sexuality, gender, and politics. This exhibition is not just a showcase of artistic practices but an act of resistance to currently growing anti-queer ideologies within Central Asia and, frankly, still being present in the world, a testament to the transformative power of art in interrogating patriarchy and redefining gender.
We are exploring strategies to challenge the gender binary, a construct deeply rooted in colonial epistemology, especially in the post-colonial context of Central Asia, where histories of cultural imposition intersect with contemporary struggles for autonomy and self-determination. Central to this discourse is the acknowledgment of Qazaq culture’s inherently nonbinary and genderless nature, a facet often overlooked in mainstream narratives, that is influenced by propaganda of neighboring colonial regimes. Therefore, this project seeks to engage in a profound exploration, reconstruction, and reinterpretation of these narratives, situating them within the contemporary context of Kazakhstan. This exhibition critically examines and challenges the notion of «traditional» as articulated by conservative segments of society. Qazaqsha Küres, Zhayau Tarys, and Altybaqan serve as illustrative examples of the openness, inclusivity, and liberatory nature of the steppe in the context of sexually charged rituals and celebrations. These traditions exemplify the region’s historical capacity for accommodating diverse expressions of sexuality and cultural practices, with the aspiration that such openness will persist into the future.
Moreover, Muktarkhan’s exhibition fosters dialogue and community engagement, inviting viewers to reflect on their own perceptions and biases of gender and queerness. By showcasing the playful fluidity of gender and the richness of non-binary identities, the exhibition challenges rigid societal norms and promotes a more inclusive understanding of human diversity. Through this exploration, Muktarkhan not only celebrates the resilience of non-binary and queer individuals but also highlights the importance of cultural heritage in shaping contemporary discourses on gender and identity.
We are exploring strategies to challenge the gender binary, a construct deeply rooted in colonial epistemology, especially in the post-colonial context of Central Asia, where histories of cultural imposition intersect with contemporary struggles for autonomy and self-determination. Central to this discourse is the acknowledgment of Qazaq culture’s inherently nonbinary and genderless nature, a facet often overlooked in mainstream narratives, that is influenced by propaganda of neighboring colonial regimes. Therefore, this project seeks to engage in a profound exploration, reconstruction, and reinterpretation of these narratives, situating them within the contemporary context of Kazakhstan. This exhibition critically examines and challenges the notion of «traditional» as articulated by conservative segments of society. Qazaqsha Küres, Zhayau Tarys, and Altybaqan serve as illustrative examples of the openness, inclusivity, and liberatory nature of the steppe in the context of sexually charged rituals and celebrations. These traditions exemplify the region’s historical capacity for accommodating diverse expressions of sexuality and cultural practices, with the aspiration that such openness will persist into the future.
Moreover, Muktarkhan’s exhibition fosters dialogue and community engagement, inviting viewers to reflect on their own perceptions and biases of gender and queerness. By showcasing the playful fluidity of gender and the richness of non-binary identities, the exhibition challenges rigid societal norms and promotes a more inclusive understanding of human diversity. Through this exploration, Muktarkhan not only celebrates the resilience of non-binary and queer individuals but also highlights the importance of cultural heritage in shaping contemporary discourses on gender and identity.
King Kong emerges as a potent symbol of the journey back to a pre-patriarchal epistemology. No longer merely a creature to be subdued or dominated, King Kong represents a paradigm shift towards coexistence and respect for context and individuality. Through the lens of lore, we witness the futile attempts of humans, particularly men, to harness and exploit King Kong, rather than coexist with him in his own context. Their efforts to showcase him as a spectacle in a circus ultimately fail as King Kong breaks free, unraveling the societal structures and visual pillars upon which this society stands. Visually deconstructed, King Kong becomes the embodiment of our return to a world before the binary patriarchal gender system. Genderless in essence, King Kong defies categorization. While his abduction of a woman may seem monstrous from a human perspective, it symbolizes a deep, platonic bond formed between them, as King Kong strives to protect himself and his companion from the pursuing men. In this conceptual narrative, King Kong transcends gender norms, serving as a catalyst for introspection and reevaluation of our societal constructs. Virginia Depant in the 'King Kong Theory' describes the island-homeland of King Kong like this: “The island is inhabited by beings of indeterminate gender: monstrous caterpillars with sticky, probing fingers, but wet and pink like labial lips, larvae resembling phallic heads that unfold and become toothy vaginas, biting off the heads of the crew's members... Others adhere to a more defined gender iconography, yet still belong to the realm of polymorphic sexuality: hairy spiders and gray, identical brontosaurus, reminiscent of a horde of clumsy spermatozoa...”. He challenges us to embrace a worldview that respects difference, rejects domination, and fosters symbiotic relationships, ultimately leading us towards a more queer existence. Within this discourse, the interrogation of King Kong being perceived as a monster intersects with Paul Preciado's exploration in "Can a Monster Speak?", inviting us to contemplate the complexities of gender, power, and agency within cultural narratives.
From the moment of our birth, our perception of the world is shaped by heteronormative images of humanity. Consequently, representations of queerness often manifest through non-anthropomorphic characters.This artwork symbolizes more than just a visual change; it embodies a profound journey of self-realization.First you’re just an outline, with lack of specific traits and self-determinations. Then you’re inserted into an environment, where you can express yourself in the context of your surroundings, with the understanding of your place in the world. You grow bigger and so grows your self-understanding. Inner confidence and self-awareness begin to emerge. Ultimately, adorned in symbols of individuality and assurance, you stand proudly in your authenticity. The phrase "Eat ass" serves as a reflection of one's innate nature or personal preference, embodying the essence of their being. Just like Yoshi your transformation becomes not only visual, but also internal - Yoshi begins to express his essence and confidence in it.
From the moment of our birth, our perception of the world is shaped by heteronormative images of humanity. Consequently, representations of queerness often manifest through non-anthropomorphic characters.This artwork symbolizes more than just a visual change; it embodies a profound journey of self-realization.First you’re just an outline, with lack of specific traits and self-determinations. Then you’re inserted into an environment, where you can express yourself in the context of your surroundings, with the understanding of your place in the world. You grow bigger and so grows your self-understanding. Inner confidence and self-awareness begin to emerge. Ultimately, adorned in symbols of individuality and assurance, you stand proudly in your authenticity. The phrase "Eat ass" serves as a reflection of one's innate nature or personal preference, embodying the essence of their being. Just like Yoshi your transformation becomes not only visual, but also internal - Yoshi begins to express his essence and confidence in it.
In this piece, the journey of self-discovery unfolds as a narrative of transformation and acceptance. It challenges the conventional narratives of identity by highlighting the fluidity and multiplicity inherent in the human experience. Through its exploration of the representation of trans individuals in pop culture, this artwork invites us to question the limitations imposed by societal norms and embrace the richness of individual expression. The notion of being "made from the same material" as the "monster" speaks to a deeper connection that transcends physicality or societal labels. It is a recognition of the shared humanity that underlies all identities, a reminder that we are bound together by our experiences, emotions, and desires. This artwork invites viewers to contemplate the fluidity of identity, the complexities of representation, and the unseen connections that transcend societal norms. It challenges perceptions of self and others, inviting introspection into the essence of humanity and the constructs that shape our understanding of it.
Where the tangible meets the intangible, where the fluidity of existence intertwines with the solidity of perception, there exists a tableau - an intersection of symbolism and substance that invites us to contemplate the essence of control. Teletubby, an iconic figure from the realms of innocence and imagination, stands poised before a panel adorned with liquids, each a evidence to the multifaceted nature of our corporeal selves. This artwork is a reflection on the fluidity of our existence and the autonomy inherent within it; on the journey of reclaiming authority over one's own vessel. Before the Teletubby stands a panel, an enigmatic surface from which streams of liquids cascade. These diverse in form and hue liquids symbolize the multiple aspects of our physicality - blood, sweat, tears, and the countless other essences that define our corporeal selves. Yet, amidst this profusion, there is a sense of harmony - a celebration of the complex dance between autonomy and surrender, control and release. For what is control but the mastery of one's own narrative? It is the art of navigating the currents of existence with grace and intentionality, of harnessing the fluidity of our being to shape our own destiny. And here we are invited to contemplate the nature of our own agency - to recognize that within us lies the power to shape our reality, to mold the very substance of our existence according to the dictates of our will. But let us not mistake control for rigidity, for true mastery lies not in domination but in alignment - an alignment with the natural rhythms of the universe, a surrender to the ebb and flow of life's ever-unfolding tapestry. In this sense, the Teletubby becomes not only a symbol of individual agency but a harbinger of collective consciousness - a reminder that we are all interconnected, bound together by the threads of our shared humanity.
This artwork draws a parallel between the lives of queer individuals and superheroes, using the duality of Spider-Man as a metaphor. The work explores the constant struggle between a public persona and a hidden identity, which can lead to internal conflicts and the sacrifice of personal growth and genuine relationships.
This artwork draws a parallel between the lives of queer individuals and superheroes, using the duality of Spider-Man as a metaphor. The work explores the constant struggle between a public persona and a hidden identity, which can lead to internal conflicts and the sacrifice of personal growth and genuine relationships.
King Kong emerges as a potent symbol of the journey back to a pre-patriarchal epistemology. No longer merely a creature to be subdued or dominated, King Kong represents a paradigm shift towards coexistence and respect for context and individuality. Through the lens of lore, we witness the futile attempts of humans, particularly men, to harness and exploit King Kong, rather than coexist with him in his own context. Their efforts to showcase him as a spectacle in a circus ultimately fail as King Kong breaks free, unraveling the societal structures and visual pillars upon which this society stands. Visually deconstructed, King Kong becomes the embodiment of our return to a world before the binary patriarchal gender system. Genderless in essence, King Kong defies categorization. While his abduction of a woman may seem monstrous from a human perspective, it symbolizes a deep, platonic bond formed between them, as King Kong strives to protect himself and his companion from the pursuing men. In this conceptual narrative, King Kong transcends gender norms, serving as a catalyst for introspection and reevaluation of our societal constructs. Virginia Depant in the 'King Kong Theory' describes the island-homeland of King Kong like this: “The island is inhabited by beings of indeterminate gender: monstrous caterpillars with sticky, probing fingers, but wet and pink like labial lips, larvae resembling phallic heads that unfold and become toothy vaginas, biting off the heads of the crew's members... Others adhere to a more defined gender iconography, yet still belong to the realm of polymorphic sexuality: hairy spiders and gray, identical brontosaurus, reminiscent of a horde of clumsy spermatozoa...”. He challenges us to embrace a worldview that respects difference, rejects domination, and fosters symbiotic relationships, ultimately leading us towards a more queer existence. Within this discourse, the interrogation of King Kong being perceived as a monster intersects with Paul Preciado's exploration in "Can a Monster Speak?", inviting us to contemplate the complexities of gender, power, and agency within cultural narratives.
In the vast expanse of the digital cosmos, where pixels dance and avatars transcend, amidst the labyrinth corridors of cyberspace, Sonic emerges not only as an icon of speed and agility, but as a harbinger of queer revelation. The artist presents Sonic, rendered in vibrant hues against a dark digitally transparent background, and serves as a symbol cherished by the trans communities worldwide. Within the realm of pop culture, Sonic stands as a sentinel of awareness, embodying fluidity and courage. The transparency of Sonic against the void speaks to the vulnerability inherent in the process of self-realization. Like light passing through a prism, Sonic's image refracts into a spectrum of possibilities. In this artwork, Sonic's presence transcends the boundaries of the digital realm, he is not just a pixelated hero; he is a catalyst for change and hope, an icon of queer awakening.
In the world of Tekken, there is a character named King who resonates deeply with members of the transgender community. This character was initially inspired by traditional wrestling archetypes, but has since evolved into a representation of trans masculinity. The wrestling arena in Tekken becomes a space for expressing queer preferences and homoerotic expressions, where conventional boundaries are dissolved and authenticity prevails. Wrestling combines physical interaction with theatrical performance, creating a safe space for participants to express their true selves without fear of judgment. Inside the virtual ring, individuals can let go and embrace their true feelings, allowing them to be themselves without the need to pretend.
You can be a beautiful little princess, but the community might see you only as a bear…
Within the vibrant tapestry of the queer community lies a paradoxical challenge: the pressure to conform to visual standards that often exclude those who don't fit conventional molds. For many queer individuals, liberation from societal norms can become overshadowed by the expectation to embody a certain aesthetic.
This artworks talks about this perpetuation of harmful beauty standards that alienate those whose appearances defy categorization. This internalized pressure to conform leads to feelings of inadequacy and isolation, contradicting the very essence of queer liberation.
You can be a beautiful little princess, but the community might see you only as a bear…
Within the vibrant tapestry of the queer community lies a paradoxical challenge: the pressure to conform to visual standards that often exclude those who don't fit conventional molds. For many queer individuals, liberation from societal norms can become overshadowed by the expectation to embody a certain aesthetic.
This artworks talks about this perpetuation of harmful beauty standards that alienate those whose appearances defy categorization. This internalized pressure to conform leads to feelings of inadequacy and isolation, contradicting the very essence of queer liberation.
You can be a beautiful little princess, but the community might see you only as a bear…
Within the vibrant tapestry of the queer community lies a paradoxical challenge: the pressure to conform to visual standards that often exclude those who don't fit conventional molds. For many queer individuals, liberation from societal norms can become overshadowed by the expectation to embody a certain aesthetic.
This artworks talks about this perpetuation of harmful beauty standards that alienate those whose appearances defy categorization. This internalized pressure to conform leads to feelings of inadequacy and isolation, contradicting the very essence of queer liberation.