In the modern era, the rapid development of digital transformation and artificial intelligence technologies is beginning to shape new opportunities and demands in all areas of public life, including the sphere of culture and art. In the context of global changes, visual culture, including photographic art, is gaining particular importance. In this regard, on April 27, a meeting titled “The Present and Future of Kazakh Photographic Art in the Era of Artificial Intelligence” was held at the Faculty of Arts of Abai University, dedicated to the 35th anniversary of the Independence of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the 200th anniversary of world photography.

The event was organized in honor of the 85th anniversary of the veteran of Kazakh photojournalism, laureate of the International Zhambyl Prize, professional photojournalist Nurmanbet Kizatuly. As part of the program, a discussion platform on “The Present and Future of Kazakh Photographic Art in the Era of Artificial Intelligence” was held, and the event began with the ceremonial opening of a юбилейная photo exhibition at the “Zhasampaz” gallery.

The exhibition featured about 50 works selected from nearly half a century of the photographer’s creative career. Nurmanbet Kizatuly, who worked for many years as a photographer at Abai University, artistically and documentarily depicted the life of the university, the nature of his homeland, the life of the country, historical moments, and social dynamics. Each photograph was perceived as a valuable document preserving the chronicle of time and was highly appreciated as a spiritual heritage that revitalizes national memory. These valuable works were also published as a photo album by the “Ulagat” publishing house of Abai University.

The event was moderated by the founder of the republican public association “Fotooner,” Candidate of Philological Sciences, and well-known art historian Sagatbek Medeubekuly. In his opening remarks, the Dean of the Faculty of Arts, Karim Baikutov, noted that the “Year of Digitalization and Artificial Intelligence,” declared this year on the initiative of the Head of State, is giving a significant boost to the country. According to him, artificial intelligence has opened new opportunities for humanity. However, regardless of technological advancement, true art is always grounded in human vision, heart, and responsibility.

– Technology may press the camera button, but only an artist can feel the pulse of history. Therefore, today’s meeting is highly relevant. We will thoroughly discuss how to guide photographic art in the era of artificial intelligence, – said Karim Baikutov.

During the meeting, the current development trends of Kazakh photographic art, technological changes, and the impact of artificial intelligence on the creative sphere were widely discussed. Renowned photojournalist and PhD scholar Doszhan Balabekuly delivered an in-depth presentation titled “The Shadow of Reality: Philosophical Issues of Photography and Artificial Intelligence,” noting that in the digital space the boundary between reality and artificiality is becoming increasingly complex. “If photography once captured a moment, today it has become a ‘language’ that explains reality and sometimes even reconstructs it. Artificial intelligence processes images, but meaning is given by human consciousness. Therefore, an image is not just a frame, but a reflection of perspective and a mirror of the era,” he stated.

In his report “Harmony of Mastery and Technology: Kazakh Photographic Art in the Age of Artificial Intelligence,” PhD scholar Karim Baikutov comprehensively analyzed the adaptation of modern photography to the new digital era. Addressing complex issues, he emphasized the importance of developing not only technical skills but also artistic thinking in students. Akbota Bakytzhankyzy, a member of the “Fotooner” association, discussed changes in photo content on social media and the role of artificial intelligence. She noted that the rapid spread of visual information has shaped a new media culture, while issues of content quality and authorship responsibility remain relevant. She also analyzed the impact of AI-generated visual materials on authenticity and credibility.

At the end of the meeting, Nurmanbet Kizatuly expressed his gratitude to the organizers and confidence in the future of photographic art. The veteran emphasized that artificial intelligence should be seen not as a replacement for creativity but as a tool that complements it. Cultural and public figures, as well as representatives of journalism, extended their best wishes and highlighted his significant contribution to the development of Kazakh photographic art. According to Kazakh tradition, guests placed a chapan on the shoulders of the exhibition’s author as a sign of great respect.

Media Center “Abai University”