From September 5 to November 20, Bukhara will host the debut edition of the biennale titled «Recipes for Broken Hearts», as announced by the Uzbekistan Culture and Arts Development Foundation to Kursiv Uzbekistan.
Entry to the event is free. Further information is available on the official website.
Commissioned by the foundation’s chairperson, Gayane Umerova, the biennale is curated by artistic director Diana Campbell. The programme will showcase 70 projects created by artists from Uzbekistan and abroad.
Events will take place at various historical landmarks throughout Bukhara, including the Khoja-Gaukushon Ensemble, the Ayozjon caravanserai, the Ulughbek Tamokifurush complex and other culturally significant sites.
According to the foundation, each chosen venue reflects Bukhara’s architectural heritage and centuries-old craft traditions, while simultaneously offering something new that is integrated into the everyday life of the city.
Culinary Collaborations and Sensory Art Installations
Every weekend during the biennale, Uzbek and international chefs will gather at the «Oshkozon» cafe to collaboratively design unique menus. Artist Oyjon Khayrullayeva, in collaboration with ceramist Abdurauf Taksirov, will create mosaic artworks resembling human organs, which will be installed throughout the biennale grounds. A stomach-shaped mosaic will be placed above the cafe entrance.
The Gaukushon madrasa will host the House of Softness, a space for symposia, workshops and live performances.
Indian artist Shakuntala Kulkarni will present an installation exploring the connection between the human body and sound. She will collaborate with the Bukhara Philharmonic, working with singers, dancers and musicians.
Qatari filmmaker Majid Al-Remaihi will reinterpret the folkloric figure of Nasreddin, who has lost both his donkey and his wit, through a project involving local puppet artists.
Kursiv also reports that Uzbekistan plans to expand its creative economy, introduce artisan education platforms, and boost regional craft hubs.
