Gulnara Kasmalieva & Muratbek Djumaliev are artistic duo based in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. They graduated respectively in art academies in Moscow and Saint Petersburg in the late 1980s. Artists participated in numerous international exhibitions and biennials, including Aichi Triennale (2016), Sharjah Biennale (2007), Singapore Biennale (2006) and Venice Biennale (2005). Their solo shows were held at the Cube Project Space, Taipei (2013), Laura Bulian Gallery, Milan (2010), Winkleman gallery, New York (2006 -2009) and the Art Institute of Chicago (2007).
Kasmalieva and Djumaliev curated the public art festivals Art Prospect-Bishkek (2017-2018) and the Bishkek International Exhibitions of Contemporary Art (2005-2008). They are the founders of the Arteast School of Contemporary Art (2009-2012) and the art center ArtEast (since 2002). The school fosters a space of dynamic social engagement and represented pedagogical success that allowed it to participate at the Gwangju Biennale (2012). The duo has received the Prince Claus Award, Amsterdam (2010), and was also nominated for Artes Mundi 4 – Wales International Visual Art Prize (2010).
Image courtesy: Gulnara Kasmalieva and Muratbek Djumaliev