My Riverbeds Solo Exhibition in Almaty by Dina Baitasova

Dina Baitasova: My Riverbeds
Solo Exhibition
Almaty, October 4 – October 15, 2024

Kazakhstani artist Dina Baitasova’s exhibition, “My Riverbeds” offers a profound and intimate exploration of the human soul. Through the lenses of alchemy and mythology, Baitasova delves into themes of identity, spiritual journey, and transformation.

Her body of work serves as a visual diary that traces a personal journey spanning 15 years. Dina compares the human experience to the flow of a river, symbolizing life’s continuous evolution, the pursuit of new horizons, and the process of renewal.

Key Elements of the Exhibition:

Alchemy: Baitasova likens the creation of art to alchemy, where the artist transforms inner experiences, much like an alchemist refining raw materials in search of their true essence.
Mythology: Her work is rich with references to Kazakh, Greek, and global myths, using them as symbols and sources of inspiration.
Nature: The landscapes of Kazakhstan and Greece, which have significantly influenced her creative process, act as both a reflection of her soul and a source of strength.

Conceptual Stages of the Exhibition

The exhibition unfolds in three phases, each corresponding to stages in the alchemical process:

Nigredo (Black Work): This stage represents chaos and the beginning of inner exploration. Dominated by blue tones, the works symbolize a dive into the unconscious.
Albedo (White Work): A stage of rebirth and purification, symbolized by white plaster sculptures that represent the discarding of old forms and the emergence of new perceptions.
Rubedo (Red Work): The final stage signifies harmony between the personal and the universal. Red hues dominate, focusing on themes of femininity and the power of nature. The mountain, a central figure, symbolizes the “Great Mother” in Turkic mythology.

This exhibition unveils the artist’s extensive internal process, sharing her transformative journey with a public audience for the first time.

About the Artist

Dina Baitasova’s artistic journey began 15 years ago during her studies in Paris, where she faced questions of identity and belonging. Inspired by her surname “Bay-tas,” meaning “precious stone” in Kazakh, she developed her own personal mythology, where the stone symbolized her creative pursuits.

The 2020 pandemic deeply influenced her work, prompting her to reconnect with her roots. In 2021, she embarked on a pilgrimage to sacred sites in Kazakhstan, such as Mangistau, Beket-Ata, and Shakpak-Ata, further immersing herself in the cultural and natural landscapes of her homeland. Her spiritual journey culminated in a 2022 art residency in Greece, where ancient mythology and Byzantine icons helped solidify her artistic vision. This exhibition reflects her personal and creative evolution through the metaphor of alchemy—transforming and discovering her true self.