Aspan Gallery in Almaty is hosting “Prayer of a Thousand Horse Riders,” an exhibition by renowned Kazakhstani artist Said Atabekov. The artist has been documenting the ancient horse-riding sports game kokpar. A Kursiv LifeStyle correspondent attended the exhibition and reports about the artist’s work.
Said Atabekov, widely recognized by art experts as one of Kazakhstan’s leading contemporary artists, had not exhibited in Almaty for many years. As a result, the opening of his personal exhibition generated significant buzz. The opening day drew a diverse audience, ranging from art enthusiasts to renowned creators.
Atabekov’s personal exhibition is fostering dialogue between tradition and modernity, addressing collective memory and inviting viewers to reflect on the interplay between national identity and global changes of the 21st century.
«I seek to capture a local spirit in my art. I mean, nomads, their traditions and their lifestyle inspire me. For both series, I shot the photographs in different places in southern Kazakhstan,» the artist explained.
The display features both renowned works by the Shymkent artist, including “The Steppe Wolves” and “Prayer of a Thousand Horse Riders” series of photographs, as well as new creations such as video monologues by the wives of kokpar players. The centerpiece of the exhibition is the Kazygurt Portal installation, crafted from rugs, fufaika jackets, photos, paintings, horseshoes, bridles, saddles and jackboots. Together, these elements embody the force and spirit of the ancient nomadic game.
In his film “Prayer of a Thousand Horse Riders,” the artist tells the stories of kokpar players through monologues delivered by their wives. These narratives cover the traditions of the game, the sporting achievements of their husbands and family life.
«I wanted to create a film about kokpar. I thought it wouldn’t make sense to interview the famous kokpar players, as they are already well-known. That’s why I decided to speak to those who stand behind them — their wives,» Atabekov said.
“The Steppe Wolves” (2010–2024) and “Prayer of a Thousand Horse Riders” (2013–2023) are already familiar to Kazakhstani audience. Moreover, Aspan Gallery presented the latest work of the artist at Art Dubai, an international art fair in the UAE. Atabekov’s photographs capture the profound spirit of unity among kokpar players during their prayer before the game begins.
“The Steppe Wolves” series is a visual chronicle that Atabekov has been compiling over many years. The artist captures the bizarre gear of kokpar players, which includes everything from special caps to tank helmets.
Said Atabekov was born in 1965 in Shymkent. Along with other artists, he co-founded the art group Kyzyl Traktor (Red Tractor), which gained recognition for its conceptual projects exploring the region’s cultural heritage. Atabekov’s artistic practices include photography, video, installation and performance. His art focuses on national identity, collective memory and social transformations.
