Andakulova Gallery is proud to present Silk and velvet vs warning safety signs, a powerful new exhibition by acclaimed Uzbek conceptual artist, Dilyara Kaipova. Opening this February 8,2025, the exhibition explores the complex intersection of tradition, modernity, and global security concerns through the lens of textile art — an increasingly influential medium in Central Asia’s contemporary art scene. Dilyara Kaipova is a celebrated conceptual artist from Uzbekistan, known for her innovative use of traditional textile techniques and her profound exploration of contemporary global issues. Her work, which often combines ancient Uzbek textile arts with modern symbolism and technology, has won international acclaim and is part of the permanent collections of leading museums worldwide.

In recent years, the art ecology of Uzbekistan and Central Asia, has been profoundly affected by the rich, centuries-old textile traditions of the region. Dilyara Kaipova stands at the forefront of this movement, seamlessly blending age-old techniques with modern themes to create pieces that challenge, engage, and provoke.

Silk and velvet vs warning safety signs is the culmination of her deep exploration of the political, cultural, and social complexities of today’s world, expressed through the delicate yet powerful medium of fabric. Kaipova’s works delve into issues of globalization, identity, and the modern world order, with particular focus on the role of war and security that is shaping our collective future.

At the heart of her new collection is the striking juxtaposition of traditional textile forms such as the famous Uzbek ikat, velvet, and silk robes, exuding alarming symbols of global danger, including the notorious nuclear trefoil. These symbols, emblematic of the N-threat, are re-imagined in her signature bold style: bright pink trefoils set against a sunny golden circle, embroidered with painstaking precision onto the luxurious textures of velvet and silk.

The artist’s innovative approach speaks of the tension between the ancient and the emerging; she uses the traditional material to comment on the pressing concerns of the modern age. Her creations are not just garments — they are conceptual objets d’art that ask viewers to reconsider the connections between art, politics, and identity.

Combining the mesmerizing color harmonies of the East, and the potent, mainly Western, security symbols, Kaipova encourages reflection on the precarious balance between beauty, danger, and the future of the world. In addition to her striking robes, the exhibition features textile assemblages and kuraki (patchwork), further interweaving and expanding the themes of cultural fusion, aestheticism, and modern-day anxieties.

With this body of work, Kaipova highlights the nuances of Central Asian heritage, asserting the importance of preserving these traditions, while acknowledging the inevitable approach of global change. Her expertise in the subject of traditional textiles is unmatched; she has spent years mastering the intricate techniques of Uzbek weaving, stitching, and dyeing.

Her work carries the imprimatur of a master artisan, but her conceptual depth and innovative use of modern technology such as IT tools to enhance the textile design, push her creations into new realms of artistic expression. This rare blend of mastery and modernity, has led to her works being acquired by leading museums worldwide, including Victoria & Albert Museum (London, England), Stedelijk Museum (Amsterdam, Netherlands), Royal Ontario Museum (Toronto, Canada), The Dowse Museum (Wellington, New Zealand), the MARKK Museum (Hamburg, Germany), and cultural institutions in the United States, Canada, and the Netherlands.

Collaborating with skilled artisans from the famous Margilan textile production center in Uzbekistan’s Fergana Valley, Kaipova brings the finest craftsmanship to her conceptual vision, ensuring that each piece maintains the highest standards of artistic integrity. By engaging with Kaipova’s work, viewers will not only witness a captivating fusion of East and West – a West-Eastern Divan - old and new, but will also gain insight into the concerns and sensitivities of artists from a transformative region. Silk and velvet vs warning safety signs is an invitation to explore the richness of Central Asian textile traditions, while confronting pressing challenges of the modern world. Don’t miss this opportunity to experience a thought-provoking and visually stunning exhibition that celebrates the power of art to inspire, provoke, and engage.