Emil Kasymov, a Kyrgyzstani sculptor and realist painter born in 1980 in Naryn, emerges from the snowy peaks of Central Asia with a distinctive voice in contemporary sculpture. Drawing on a lifelong lineage of craft and a formal education at the Chuykov Art Academy, Kasymov channels themes of strength, solitude, culture, and transformation into monumental bronze works that speak to both national heritage and universal human experience.
Emil Kasymov’s life has been shaped by landscape and craft, from the moment he created his first artwork at the age of six to his rigorous training at the Chuykov Art Academy, which provided him with technical rigor and a belief in art as a vessel for meaning. He specializes in bronze, valuing its permanence, complexity, and historical resonance, and his practice often operates at monumental scale, inviting viewers to contemplate resilience and memory. “What moments in your early life most shaped your approach to sculpture?” he reflects, explaining, “When I was a child, I used to sculpt with plasticine. I remember those hours of creating shapes with my small hands—it felt magical. That’s when I realized sculpture wasn’t just a hobby for me; it was my calling. Even back then, I could sense that shaping material into something alive was what I was meant to do.”
Bronze as a material of memory animates Kasymov’s work, reflecting a commitment to durability and lineage—the material history of sculpture informs his contemporary message. Even when working large, his sculptures explore intimate human experiences—strength and solitude within cultural contexts—creating a dialogue between the physical weight of metal and the weight of cultural memory. Among his representative works, the sculpture “Kuch” showcases his attention to proportion and tactile presence, while “The King” stands as a testament to his ability to fuse regal form with accessible, monumental beauty. “Nooruz Celebration,” with its combination of marble and bronze and a base that anchors the composition, features multiple figures and celebrations of Kyrgyz hospitality, traditional games, music, and community spirit, inviting viewers to share in a sense of collective memory. “Can you describe a specific studio ritual or process you rely on when starting a new piece?” Kasymov shares, “If I am creating a sculpture, I come into my studio, brew my Italian coffee, and start working with the material. I lose track of time completely—it’s like the world disappears and only the sculpture exists. But if I’m painting, I prefer to go out into nature and paint from life. Though sometimes I joke that the hardest part is convincing the birds to sit still long enough!”
Cultural stewardship through art is a core impulse in Kasymov’s practice. Nooruz, the Kyrgyz New Year marking the spring equinox, informs his latest pieces. He uses sculpture to preserve and celebrate traditional culture amid globalization, asserting that heritage has enduring value. Kasymov’s work is not confined to the studio; it intersects with public and institutional projects, including government initiatives and collaborations that place Kyrgyzstan’s cultural identity in dialogue with broader audiences, expanding the reach of Kyrgyz art beyond national borders.
Notable projects and collaborations further illustrate Kasymov’s role as a cultural producer and innovator. Aalam Ordo, described as a major government initiative developed by Kasymov, highlights the intersection of science, spirituality, and national identity in Kyrgyzstan. This project underscores his commitment to shaping cultural discourse and contributing to national narratives through art. Global commissions reflect his ability to translate local traditions into works with universal relevance, engaging diverse patrons and audiences and expanding Kyrgyz art on the world stage. Recognition and media presence—through English-language outlets, features on platforms such as Singulart, and active social channels like Instagram (@sculptor_emil)—document his studio practice and ongoing artistic exploration.
In his visual and material practice, Kasymov emphasizes premium materials, favoring pure bronze for its luminous patina and enduring presence. His works balance figural clarity with sculptural abstraction, inviting interpretation while bearing the weight of cultural memory. Kasymov matters because he foregrounds cultural longevity, ensuring Kyrgyz traditions persist within contemporary sculpture and enter global dialogue. His monumental bronzes serve as a bridge between regional identity and universal themes of strength, transformation, and community, reminding viewers of where they come from and who they are.
Photo credits: The photographs belong to the artist’s archive.
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