Kasmalieva and Djumaliev's 'A New Silk Road' at Art Institute of Chicago Examines Post-Soviet Kyrgyzstan

From February 1 to May 6, 2007, the Art Institute of Chicago hosted the multimedia exhibition 'A New Silk Road: Algorithm of Survival and Hope,' created by Kyrgyz artists Gulnara Kasmalieva and Muratbek Djumaliev. Their work captures the social landscape of Kyrgyzstan since gaining independence in 1991, focusing on the shift from Soviet governance. Among the highlights was a five-screen video installation depicting the transport of scrap metal to western China, alongside a minimalist rendition of 'Trans-Siberian Amazons' (2004). Featuring 23 digital prints, the exhibition reflects Kyrgyz identity, intertwining themes of nomadic heritage and colonization, while incorporating folk songs and rhythmic components to illustrate economic resilience.