Umai Ana and the Cosmos of Memory

This series weaves together the threads of Kazakh ancestry, femininity, and the infinite landscapes of imagination. Centered around the piece "Umai Ana," a depiction of the mythological mother figure holding yarn, this body of work transforms archival photographs of Kazakh women into celestial beings who exist in an intersection of history and the cosmos. By layering traditional imagery against surreal landscapes and cosmic backdrops, I aim to reframe the narratives of these women, presenting them not as static figures of the past but as dynamic guardians of cultural continuity and resilience. The juxtaposition of earthly elements—flowers, fields, and mountains—with interstellar expanses reflects the duality of their existence: grounded in tradition, yet universal in their symbolic power.

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This series challenges viewers to reconsider the role of heritage in the contemporary world, asking: How do we carry the stories of our ancestors into the future?

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In blending archival photography with collage, I aim to elevate these women into mythic dimensions, reminding us that the stories of our ancestors, like stars in the night sky, continue to guide us through time and space.