Press Releases
Serik Kulmeshkenov's Exhibition Opens in Astana
Museum of Contemporary Arts , Astana, September 7
On September 7 in Astana, the United States Embassy and the Museum of Contemporary Arts presented an exhibition of the works of artist Serik Kulmeshkenov.
A native of Astana and a United States citizen since 2005, Serik Kulmeshkenov is an internationally acclaimed artist with awards from over 25 countries. His art media include drawing, engraving, cartooning, calligraphy, photography, and poetry.
The artist donated all the exhibited artworks to the Museum of Contemporary Arts in Astana.
Serik Kulmeshkenov was born in Astana in 1956 and is the son of a railroad conductor. At the age of 26, he went blind and was diagnosed with Behcet’s Disease, a rare and incurable illness that causes inflammation of the blood vessels. After 12 years of treatment which temporarily restored his sight, Kulmeshkenov lost his left eye and most of the sight in his right. Despite these hardships, Serik Kulmeshkenov has been a graphic artist since 1985 and has won international acclaim.
In 1999, Kulmeshkenov won Russia’s “green card lottery” and was able to move to the United States. He now calls Rochester, Minnesota home.
Speaking at the exhibit opening, Deputy Chief of Mission Kevin Milas said Kulmeshkenov's "love of the beauty of art and of both his countries must have helped in the restoration of his artistic vision." View photogallery