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Painting
Preserving Traditions
Amina Mislimova | Russia
This piece brings to life an ancient Teleut ritual, where every detail becomes a thread connecting eras. The artist creates not merely an ethnographic sketch, but a visual poem about the unbroken continuity of tradition — where the intertwining of birch roots mirrors the fusion of pagan and Christian symbols, giving birth to a unique cultural code.

The central figures in ritual costumes aren’t static characters but participants in a timeless ceremony. Their gestures echo ancestral movements, while protective charms "toshtok" and "kur" transform into visible markers of invisible generational bonds. The setting is a living open-air temple where every tree preserves the memory of prayers.

The work’s profound depth lies in its chromatic composition. Ochre, vermilion, ultramarine and snow-white tones reminiscent of icon painting traditions create a sacred luminous effect. This palette speaks a universal language of spiritual quest that resonates far beyond Siberia.

The technique of layered painting mirrors the ritual itself: just as participants gradually reveal sacred meanings, the artist applies translucent paint layers to unveil the imagery’s depth. The canvas texture preserves brushstroke marks, reminding us that tradition isn’t a museum artifact but living cultural fabric.

This artwork builds a bridge between Teleut tradition and contemporary viewers. It serves as a powerful reminder that such local cultural codes become precious threads weaving the rich tapestry of human diversity.
Oil on canvas
2024