Kazakh artist Yesengali Sadyrbaev, who is participating in Istanbul Art and Antique Fair (IAAF) with some of his works, is also an ethnographer and a historian. When he determines the subject of his painting, he studies ancient manuscripts, scientific works, and communicates with archaeologists. He has participated in a total of 35 exhibitions, including 16 solo exhibitions. But besides all, through his love of his motherland, Yesengali Sadyrbaev wants to tell the rest of the world the history of Kazakhstan and everyday life of Kazakh people with his paintings.
How did you start painting?
I have been interested in art since I was a child. I went to museums, I took lessons from teachers. I wanted to depict the world around me on paper and canvas.
You worked as a restoration artist. How does this experience effect your career as an artist?
Working at restoration taught me to be interested in the history of my people. We have created new museums and restored old ones. I touched with my own hands the exhibitions where the ancient Kazakh culture was exhibited. I repaired the nomads’ household and household items. Besides, I drew scenes from the past life of the Cossacks.
You are also an ethnographer and a historian. How do you combine these disciplines in your paintings?
By working in museums, I learned to discover the traditions and culture of the people like a scientist. When gathering information for a new painting, I study the smallest details, the history of the subject or tradition. After all, my paintings contain a lot of ethnographic and historical information. For this reason, I think that my paintings require the knowledge of a historian and ethnographer.
You have a “special creative method”. How would you describe your method?
My creative method consists of preliminary studies of the subject. Then I go to the museum and look for objects that match the theme. In my paintings, I strive for a realistic reflection of the history of the country and the life of the people. I want to reveal the culture and tradition of the people through the image of something, for example, the carpet. Deep meanings can be hidden in patterns and compositions. There may also be a message from the master among the carpet patterns. Or the depiction of a hunting scene can teach the viewer about tradition and the formation of a nation. To paint a historical picture, you need to be a well-read and competent artist.
What are your main sources of inspiration?
My sources of inspiration can be very different. Let’s say you read an interesting book, or a conversation with a scientist and a master of his craft.
Why do you choose to paint panoramic and complex compositions with “serial” and “crowded” subjects?
I often use complex and large themes to create images. These pictures can depict many aspects of people’s life and daily life, show all variety, the beauty and depth of traditions. But often it is impossible to reveal the whole story in a single picture, revealing it from all sides. That’s why I create a series of a dozen paintings dedicated to a single topic.
We can see history of Kazakhstan and everyday life of Kazakh people through your paintings. Why do you choose these topics? What do you want to tell to the rest of the world?
I think that the world is interested in me precisely as a Kazakh artist, as a representative of the Turkish people. That’s why I try to tell about my motherland in my paintings. About history, about life, about the beauty and wisdom of traditions. I think art can tell the rest of the world about Kazakhstan better. After all, a picture does not need translation. Everyone can understand. It allows you to know what is depicted in the pictures and to have a better knowledge of the Kazakh people.
How would you describe Istanbul through the eyes of an artist?
I have been to Istanbul many times and I have my own attitude towards this wonderful city. For me, first of all, this is the historic city. Everything here breathes history, antiquity, mystery and romance. There is a mix of different eras and cultures here. There are many materials for an artist to create a painting. Every ancient building, old mosque or narrow street is worthy of depiction in a painting. I read a lot of books about Istanbul. I want to depict many aspects of this city, its turbulent history and its splendor. For an artist, this is a city of bright colors, colorful markets, white ships and seagulls, smiling people. In my paintings, Istanbul is lively and active, and always in fashion! It can be depicted in paintings in the style of impressionism and modernism. Istanbul will live forever. And therefore you can write in a classic style and realistically.
Would you please tell us about your future projects?
My plans and projects are to actively work and paint. And I try to make my work interesting and in demand by people. My plans are to paint about Turkish history and culture.
