Exploring National Identity Through Modern Monumental and Decorative Tapestry of Kazakhstan

Abstract

In the context of technical and global transformations, art persists in articulating national identity. The aim of this study is to analyze in depth the art of monumental decorative tapestry in Kazakhstan, with a focus on its contribution to the search for a new paradigm and national identity in contemporary visual arts. Methods of analyzing and comparing artistic works of tapestry artists of contemporary Kazakhstan were used. This research analyses chosen works and their impact on the cultural environment, demonstrating that current monumental and decorative tapestries in Kazakhstan serve not merely as aesthetic objects but also actively contribute to the formation of collective identity. The findings indicate that these tapestries maintain cultural memory by incorporating traditional motifs, nomadic symbols, and historical narratives, while simultaneously reinterpreting them through contemporary artistic expressions. By doing so, artists cultivate pride in national heritage, encourage discourse on Kazakhstan’s shifting identity, and establish tapestry art as a medium that connects the past and present while enhancing the worldwide conversation on cultural sustainability. This study advances academic comprehension of art's function in modern society by examining the use of massive and decorative tapestries in the search for national identity.