Today, Abai University held the opening of an exhibition titled “Mythic Code: Linocut, Lithography, and Etching.” The walls of the Faculty of Arts featured creative works by students, made in the artistic genres of linocut, lithography, and etching — forms of visual art that are gradually being forgotten nowadays. This exhibition offers students an opportunity to combine theory with practical experience.

Kazakh oral literature has preserved numerous ancient legends, epic poems, and fairy tales that have come down to us through the ages. Among them are stories about Korkyt Ata and Asan Kaigy, as well as legends of Er Tostik, Koblandy Batyr, and Kyz Zhibek. In visual arts, genres such as linocut, lithography, and etching have developed as means to visually interpret these ancient myths. However, in today’s digital era, these art forms are slowly fading. Currently, they are taught only at Abai Kazakh National Pedagogical University.

Students of the Faculty of Arts have revived these forgotten genres by presenting their creative works at the exhibition. In the “Mythic Code” exhibition, national myths and symbols are represented through a modern artistic perspective. Students who successfully transformed theoretical knowledge into practical artworks were awarded certificates of appreciation.

– This exhibition is the first one of the year. We can see works created by students of the Graphic Design program, particularly in the genres of linocut, lithography, and etching. It is pleasing to see that students not only study theory but also acquire practical skills, portraying national myths and legends through visual art. I wish success to all participating students and their mentors, – said Karim Alimkhanuly, Dean of the Faculty of Arts.

It is worth noting that the Faculty of Arts at Abai University was originally established in the 1970s as the Faculty of Fine Arts. Over more than half a century, many well-known artists and cultural figures of Kazakhstan have studied here. Today, it has grown into a professional school that plays a significant role in national visual arts. Currently, about 900 students study at this institution, contributing to the development of the country’s culture and art education.

«Abai University» Media Center