Public Lecture: "Artistic Visualization of Scientific Data"

UCA’s Cultural Heritage and Humanities Unit, together with the French Institute for Central Asian Studies (IFEAC), is pleased to announce the launch of Ilım-kese – an initiative aimed at enhancing communication among research institutions, groups, and individual researchers working in Kyrgyzstan.

Ilım-kese draws inspiration from the Kyrgyz song tradition yr-kese (yr – song, kese – cup), in which the cup is passed to another person after a song or melody is performed. The person holding the cup then performs a song of their choice. In this tradition, the cup symbolizes the exchange of knowledge and culture. Adapting this concept, yr (song) was replaced with ilim (science), thus creating Ilım-kese – a space for the exchange of scientific knowledge and strengthened communication.

The format and location of each gathering will be determined by the hosting organization (or researcher) holding the kese, allowing for activities such as joint article readings, discussions on specific topics, research presentations, open lectures, and other formats.

The initiative is co-facilitated by UCA and IFEAC, which will share infrastructure and help coordinate logistics in collaboration with hosting researchers and institutions. The aim is to support a flexible, community-driven format that encourages mutual learning and open exchange.

UCA and IFEAC invite everyone to the inaugural meeting of Ilım-kese, featuring a public lecture by CHHU Research Fellow Altyn Kapalova titled Artistic Visualization of Scientific Data.

Artistic Visualization of Scientific Data
Public lecture by Altyn Kapalova

This lecture explores the intersection of contemporary art and research in Kyrgyzstan over the past five years, highlighting the work of Kyrgyz and other women artists who have transformed research data into visual artworks. From statistical analysis to insights drawn from qualitative methods such as interviews, oral histories, and ethnographic observation, these projects reveal how scientific inquiry can inspire powerful artistic expression. The lecture will present a selection of contemporary pieces that turn abstract data into deeply human, visual narratives.

About the speaker:
Altyn Kapalova is an artist, researcher, and writer who transforms scientific data into works of visual art. Her practice bridges the gap between the humanities and contemporary art, often focusing on themes of diversity, decoloniality, and cultural heritage. In addition to her curated exhibitions across Central Asia and beyond, she is also the founding curator of the Feminist Art Museum of Central Asia and a Research Fellow at the Cultural Heritage and Humanities Unit of the University of Central Asia.

Time and Date: 22 May, 16:00 KG time
Location: 125/1 Toktogul st., Bishkek, UCA conference room, 2nd floor
Language: Russian
Register here: https://forms.gle/4rbMDYjy9itGYU1P8