The word “Syldyr” is translated from Kazakh as “ringing” and is referring to the melodic sound that traditional Kazakh hair jewelry makes when its owner moves, while also protecting the wearer from evil spirits. As part of the project, we plan to hold meetings with artists, workshops and lectures that will contribute to the development of contemporary jewelry in Kazakhstan.

The Syldyr project will curate the first exhibition of conceptual jewelry in Astana, Kazakhstan’s capital. It's focused on the development of contemporary jewelry art field in Kazakhstan and brings together international artists working in this medium.

Our first exhibition took place on September 19, 2024 - October 12 and was titled "Treasure Island" and was dedicated to the use of non-traditional materials in jewelry, and its main goal was to introduce the field of conceptual jewelry to Kazakhstan’s art-loving and curious audience. The venue of the exhibition is the renowned Forte Kulanshi Art Space gallery.

In our photo project, we invite you to think about the fact that jewelry can be not just a form, but also a voice. It can have a sound, it can tell a story, it can become a connection between the inner and the outer, the body and space.

Katia is a jeweler by profession and education, co-curator of such projects as “9 March Project” and “Overreacting” (Israel) and a founder of Rabeyka brand. Katia is a contemporary jewelry enthusiast, she doesn’t just practice jewelry craft, but approaches it theoretically as well, being an author of publications in “Art Jewelry Forum”, “Klimt02”, and “Fashion Theory”. In our project Katia is consulting us on exposition decisions and communication with foreign participants.

Participant of international exhibitions and competitions. Her civil position - support and keeping Kazakhstan cultural heritage. She is an art consultant and designer in “Syldyr” project.

Having taken part in international projects in contemporary jewelry area, such as NYC Jewelry week, Munich jewelry week, I realized how important it is to present conceptual jewelry art to Kazakhstan audience! Following the motto “If you can’t join it - lead it”, I made up my mind and started a project that will unite contemporary jewelry artists in Kazakhstan.