Yelaman Muktarkhan’s solo exhibition is an artistic anthropological research of non-binary and queer resistance carried through her personal experience living in a binary system. It’s a full-time job being non-binary consists of 8 series of works, with references to various specific worlds of popular visual and game cultures, recognizable to us. Muktarkhan uses these symbols as the basis for exploring their own queer identity. Through the lens of queer optics and game culture, the artist navigates through themes of sexuality, gender, and politics. This exhibition is not just a showcase of artistic practices but an act of resistance to currently growing anti-queer ideologies within Central Asia and, frankly, still being present in the world, a testament to the transformative power of art in interrogating patriarchy and redefining gender.

We are exploring strategies to challenge the gender binary, a construct deeply rooted in colonial epistemology, especially in the post-colonial context of Central Asia, where histories of cultural imposition intersect with contemporary struggles for autonomy and self-determination. Central to this discourse is the acknowledgment of Qazaq culture’s inherently nonbinary and genderless nature, a facet often overlooked in mainstream narratives, that is influenced by propaganda of neighboring colonial regimes. Therefore, this project seeks to engage in a profound exploration, reconstruction, and reinterpretation of these narratives, situating them within the contemporary context of Kazakhstan. This exhibition critically examines and challenges the notion of «traditional» as articulated by conservative segments of society. Qazaqsha Küres, Zhayau Tarys, and Altybaqan serve as illustrative examples of the openness, inclusivity, and liberatory nature of the steppe in the context of sexually charged rituals and celebrations. These traditions exemplify the region’s historical capacity for accommodating diverse expressions of sexuality and cultural practices, with the aspiration that such openness will persist into the future.

Moreover, Muktarkhan’s exhibition fosters dialogue and community engagement, inviting viewers to reflect on their own perceptions and biases of gender and queerness. By showcasing the playful fluidity of gender and the richness of non-binary identities, the exhibition challenges rigid societal norms and promotes a more inclusive understanding of human diversity. Through this exploration, Muktarkhan not only celebrates the resilience of non-binary and queer individuals but also highlights the importance of cultural heritage in shaping contemporary discourses on gender and identity.