Gulnur Mukazhanova

Gulnur Mukazhanova (b. 1984 in Kazakhstan) is a Kazakh artist currently working in Berlin, Germany. 

Mukazhanova uses the materials of traditional Kazakh handicrafts to explore the complexities of post-nomadic identities, cultural alienation, and the effects of globalisation. Born shortly before the collapse of the USSR, she was raised in the volatility of the newly formed Kazakhstan. She completed her studies at the Art Academy in Almaty and the Kunsthochschule in Berlin Weißensee. Working in felt, the textile recalls and connects to the origins, traditions and customs of her native country. The artist also works with mass-produced synthetic fabrics that imitate organic silks and were originally acquired from Kazakstan bazars. She creates vivid installations that are precariously secured with pins, raising questions of impermanence, fragility and uncertainty. Being based in Berlin for over 10 years has helped Mukazhanova understand and critically analyse not only the situation in her home country and the Central Asian region, but global issues that are common for everyone. 

Mukazhanova has participated in group exhibitions internationally, including in France, Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, Russia, Kazakhstan, the United Kingdom and South Korea. In March 2022, Mukazhanova collaborated with Ainalaiyn Space to create Öliara: The Dark Moon, a solo exhibition at Mimosa House (London).

Selected Works

  • Post-Nomadic Reality

    2019/2022, mixed media fabric and pins, 170 x 140cm

  • Moment of the Present #10

    2019, mixed media fabric and pins, 170 x 140cm

  • Öliara #1

    2022, mixed media fabric and pins, 140 x 170cm

  • Öliara #2

    2022, mixed media fabric and pins, 60 x 90cm

  • Moment of The Present

    (From top left to bottom right: #4, 5, 3, 12, 8, 1, 7, 9, 10), 2019, mixed media fabric and pins, 25 x 25cm (each)

Projects