We had the chance to sit down with Aziya for a morning chat at Soho House Paris while she was in Paris. We spoke about her childhood in Kazakstan and her thoughts on womanhood.

  • Q. Tell us about yourself and how you came to be an artist…

  • A. I was born in the 1980s in Kazakhstan, into a family of artists and cinematographers. My mom was a performance artist, and my dad was a sculptor. Growing up, I was bouncing back and forth between art studios and the backstages of a theater. Before Kazakhstan declared its independence in 1991, artists had to create works that glorified the Soviet system and promoted communist values. Works that challenged the official narrative were often censored or banned. I believe that this experience led me towards a very heart-centered practice.

  • TC : Your main character traits?

  • A. Diligence and optimism.

  • Q. Describe your work in three words...

  • A. Empowering, empathetic, rich.

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  • Q. What makes you laugh ?

  • A. When my dog tries to pull off a Tom Cruise Mission Impossible maneuver. When I accidentally trip over my own shadow. When I'm a mess at the airport and I'm running not to miss my flight.

  • Q. What is your creative process?

  • A. I am always bursting with new ideas. I write a script for my work, just like you would for a scene in a movie. What’s going to happen. What’s going to play out. Which feelings I am going to convey. Which colours I am going to use. It's quite interesting. I guess it comes from the cinematographic part of my the family.

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Holidays With Friends

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Before Kazakhstan declared its independence in 1991, artists had to create works that glorified the Soviet system and promoted communist values. Works that challenged the official narrative were often censored or banned. I believe that led me towards a very heart centered practice.

  • Q. Describe your work in three words…

  • A. Empowering, empathetic, enriching.

  • Q. How does the subject of woman and relationships nourish your practice?

  • A. They provide me with a rich tapestry to draw upon, including love, desire, joy, heartache, and vulnerability. These themes give me the chance to express profound emotions and connect with the viewer on a deep emotional level.

  • Q. Who are the contemporary art figures who influenced you the most?

  • A. My grandfather Jumabai Umetov, was an artist in modern orientalism tapestry. I use his book for daily inspiration. I love the raw energy that emanates from Cecily Brown’s work too. As well as the reflection on gender and identity we find in Hayv Kahraman’s work.

  • Q. What you enjoy the most about your friends ?

  • A. How they seem to take it easy in stressful times.

  • Q. Your dream of happiness?

  • A. Equal rights, opportunities and representation for women. As well as awareness in social justice.

  • Q. What makes you excited about the future?

  • Technology.

  • Q. If you could have diner with anyone dead or alive?

  • My grandfather, Jumabai Umetov.

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Pink Sunset

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Pink Sunset

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Aziya

 

Aziya

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