AQ JORǴA
by Vladimir Bystritskiy
The exhibition AQ JORǴA presents an artistic inquiry into the culture of the steppe and its emblematic symbols. Within this context, the horse emerges as a conduit to the world of the steppe—a domain where time flows with a different rhythm, where the whisper of wind through the grasses is heard, and where the horizon seamlessly joins earth and sky. Vladimir Bystritsky’s oeuvre invites the observer to reconnect with this profound simplicity and depth. His works serve as a reminder that the steppe transcends mere geography, embodying a distinctive state of freedom in which humanity can rediscover its bond with nature, motion, and the essence of life.
The exhibition entitled AQ JORGA alludes to one of the most exquisite and poetic motifs in steppe culture. The Jorğa is a distinctive breed of horse, renowned for its gentle, smooth, and rhythmic gait. Within Kazakh tradition, the jorğa is emblematic of equestrian mastery and a distinguished breed, embodying a profound harmony between rider, horse, and the vast steppe. The term aq, denoting 'white' or 'light,' imparts to this image a dimension of purity and noble grace.
In Vladimir Bystritsky’s oeuvre, the horse emerges as the central figure in the artistic narrative. Although the artist situates himself within the realist animalier tradition, his paintings transcend mere representation, evoking a deeper symbolic resonance. He endeavors to reveal the character, psychology, and inner world of the horse, discerning emotions, moods, and even memories within its gaze. For the author, the horse is a living creature with its own individuality, capable of sensing a human and responding with either trust or wariness.
The vastness of the steppe holds a distinctive and profound place within his artistic vision. The horizon, the wind, the scent of grasses, and the sunlight—all these elements become integral to the evocative visual atmosphere of his paintings. In Bystritsky’s work, the steppe is not merely a backdrop. It stands as a particular milieu where humans, animals, and nature converge in a singular rhythm. Within this space, the horse appears both natural and unrestrained, an integral part of the vast living world.
A defining characteristic of Bystritsky’s oeuvre is his focused attention to the horse’s gaze. Through the animal’s eyes, the artist endeavors to convey its character and emotional state, thereby transforming the equine portrait into a distinctive psychological embodiment. In this regard, his works may be understood not merely as animal painting but also as contemplations on the profound relationship between humanity and nature.
Vladimir Bystritsky resides and works in the city of Kokshetau, a name which, in Kazakh, means 'Emerald Mountains.' The interplay of the steppe expanses, lakes, and mountain ranges creates a distinctive natural milieu wherein the traditional culture of the nomadic world continues to permeate the very fabric of the landscape. For the artist, this region serves as an enduring source of profound visual and emotional inspiration: the observation of herds, the vast steppe horizons, and the subtle shifts of natural light deeply inform his artistic vision.
About the Artist
Vladimir Bystritskiy (b. 1982) is an artist from Kokshetau. He was born in the city of Akkol, Akmola Region.
Curator's Note
The artist observes the herds on the steppe, endeavoring to capture moments that rarely enter human perception: the mare’s careful and watchful nurture of her foal, the tense silence preceding the herd’s movement, the serene calm of the morning pasture. These observations constitute the foundation of his pictorial language. His paintings lack overt dramaturgy; instead, they are imbued with a quiet, almost meditative energy.
Exhibition Views
