By Aimarala Chomokova
In a world plagued by different challenges, where the demand for new solutions and resource optimisation has reached critical proportions, Solar Sign Art Residence in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, stands out as a beacon of hope. Founded in 2020 by Cholpon Tentieva, the art residence reveals the untapped potential of art, culture, and nomadic wisdom to spark a powerful movement towards inner transformation.
The impact of the Solar Sign Art Residence was felt globally, with an impressive 135 applications received in its first year. Artists from diverse geographies, including Japan, Germany, Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, France, Russia, the Netherlands, Uzbekistan, the USA, Canada, and Kyrgyzstan, expressed their interest in participating. This tremendous response highlights the reach that Solar Sign has achieved in such a short period of time. 55 gifted artists (out of 135 applications) have been selected to reside at Solar Sign. The selection process aims to establish a vibrant and collaborative atmosphere within the residency by representing a wide range of artistic disciplines, backgrounds, and styles.
«The peculiarity of our residency is that it is a combination of art and science, as well as the secrets of nomadic civilization. We, as bearers of this code, have every right to talk about it on a deep level,» says Cholpon Tentieva, the founder of the Solar Sign.
The Solar Sign Art Residence starts on a fascinating journey, lighting the way to a sustainable and harmonious world by diving deeply into the past, engaging with the present, and imagining the future. One of the main goals of the Solar Sign Art Residence is to introduce participants to a wide range of concepts, challenges, and symbols from the past, present, and future. The programme encourages deep discussions on nomadic civilizations, the significance of legendary figures in society, and the complex interactions between people, nature, and technology.
Solar Sign offers unique courses taught by experienced art and science practitioners: «The Yurt: A Microcosm of Nomadic Civilization» is curated by curator Jumabek Tentiev; «Mystery of Manas» is curated by Talantaaly Bakchiev; «Interactive Session: The Mystery of Nature» is curated by Aigul Jusupbaeva; «The Great Imaginarium: Power of Thought Images, Artificial Intelligence, and Digital Nomadism» is curated by curator Nariste Alieva; «Multimedia and Heritage: At the Crossroads of Present, Past, and Future,» is curated by Cholpon Tentieva.
Solar Sign provides a comprehensive educational experience. Each course is being taught by experienced curators in residence, prominent representatives of various sciences. Moreover, participants can take part in additional master classes in various techniques and workshops.
Solar Sign provides a transformative platform for cultural inquiry, critical thinking, and self-discovery by using the power of art to confront ecological concerns. Through its innovative curriculum that blends science, creativity, and culture, Solar Sign cultivates obedient and compassionate citizens who have the skills and knowledge to create a sustainable and peaceful future. The Solar Sign Art Residence keeps illuminating the way to a better tomorrow by encouraging intercultural communication and inclusivity.
«I wanted to open up the theme of heritage to myself. It was important for me to understand my identity. During my stay here, I realised that the creative part of me is not uncovered, so now I’m not afraid to experiment and do what I feel,» says Aisha, one of the residents of the Solar Sign.
The programme offers sessions in both Kyrgyz and Russian languages and is set up to allow residents to take face-to-face classes as well as online sessions. This approach ensures that a wider audience can engage with the residency, promoting cross-cultural understanding and exchange.
Elia Hasanova, one of the residents, has been participating in the Solar Sign’s activities for two years in a row; she thinks that has led her to know more about herself, and every communication with the course curators is enriching.
The Solar Sign Art Residence is a great example of how the arts can make a meaningful change. Through its innovative approach to exploring the wisdom of nomadic heritage, Solar Sign has become an effective stimuli for transformative change, inspiring residents to engage in critical reflections on our relationship with the environment. In a world hungry for creative solutions and sustainable practises, it reminds us of the power of art to alter our perspective, challenge our preconceptions, and build a road to a brighter future.