The project "Unified Space" is dedicated to the contemporary
arts of Central Asia and its historic roots in the cultural heritage
of the Silk-Road. This overland route not only served in the trade
of exotic merchandize, but also in the exchange of ideas between
Asia and Europe, in painting, sculpture, literature, music, architecture
and science,
As a resident of
both worlds – Central Asia and Europe – it is my intent
to revive the extensive artistic and cultural liaisons of past times,
using modern means of communication clear through to new territories
of information, but not excluding universal traditions and the techniques
of old.
After 70 years of Communism
in our region and the disintegration of the Soviet Union, human
rights are close to being guaranteed in the newly independent states
of Central Asia, and most importantly along with that: artistic
freedom!
However, the ascent to
light is difficult. The contrast of shadow and light always harbors
the danger of delusion. Now art and philosophy are called upon to
help our formerly oppressed peoples master their transition towards
a new identity. If the growth of conscious awareness is nurtured,
then the right solutions for the economical and ecological challenges
will follow in their path.
We artists
of Central Asia seek, for the sake of our own identity, first the
comparison and then an open dialogue with the West. For this purpose,
Austrians, artists and others concerned with cultural advancement,
helped in the creation of „Unified Space“, the international
program of cultural exchange, which began in Kirgistan in 2000 and
had its continuance in the Usbekistan Project 2003/4, and the Kasakhstan Projekt 2005/6 The Project Tadjikistan will follow in 2007/8.
Artists
of both countries live and work together. If, after weeks of collective
work, the reflection of one becomes recognizable in the work of
another, then communication has evolved.
Just
like from time to time on the Silk-Road.
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