Pop art: Warhol, Lichtenstein, Banksy — A new wave in Kazakhstan’s art scene
The art world in Kazakhstan witnessed a landmark event with the opening of the exhibition “Pop art: Warhol, Lichtenstein, and others” at the Has Sanat art gallery in Astana, Kazinform News Agency reports.
Hosted by the multimedia museum Lumiere-Hall, this pop-up exhibition features over 80 original works from iconic pop art pioneers and contemporary successors, marking a significant cultural milestone for the country. Curated from private collections across Europe and the United States, the exhibition showcases the works of 20 artists, spanning the golden era of pop art to its modern interpretations. Among the highlights are creations by Andy Warhol, Roy Lichtenstein, Keith Haring, and Banksy, with a unique addition — a Kazakh interpretation of pop art by local artist Mimi Ilnitskaya.
The exhibition opening was attended by the organizer, Polina Egarmin.Polina Egarmin is a curator and cultural organizer known for her work in bringing world-class art to Kazakhstan. As a co-founder of the multimedia museum Lumiere-Hall, she has spearheaded numerous projects. One of the most popular projects – exhibition featuring the works of Salvador Dalí in Almaty.
“This exhibition has been a dream five years in the making,” shares Polina Egarmin. The collection, painstakingly assembled by a private collector, traveled through Europe and the United States before arriving in Kazakhstan. “The collector himself is a man of mystery,” she explains. “He prefers to remain anonymous, but his passion for making art accessible is the driving force behind this project.”
Polina shared the difficulties she and the team encountered while organizing the exhibition. “We had to compete with major international galleries to borrow this collection. In some cases, we were waiting in line behind European museums. But the opportunity to show these works here, in Astana, made every effort worthwhile.”
Also, she recounts the logistical challenges of moving such a high-value collection. “The transportation process was nerve-wracking. Every piece required specific packaging and handling instructions. The collector’s team was meticulous — they sent their own logistics experts to ensure the art arrived safely.”
One of the exhibition’s most unique aspects is the inclusion of Kazakh artist Mimi Ilnitskaya, whose works reinterpret pop art through a local lens. “When Mimi saw the collection in Almaty, she was inspired to create her own version of pop art,” Polina recalls. “We commissioned her work for this exhibition, and the results are astonishing.”
Interestingly, Polina didn’t see Mimi’s completed works until the day they were delivered. “It was a gamble, but when we unpacked her pieces, it was as if they had always belonged here. Her work adds a layer of cultural dialogue that enriches the entire exhibition.”
Polina’s passion for pop art is deeply personal. She recounts her own connection to the genre, rooted in her fascination with Andy Warhol. “Warhol’s story is inspiring. He started as a shy immigrant child, battling health issues, and transformed into one of the most influential artists of all time. His use of silk-screen printing to mass-produce art was revolutionary—it blurred the line between high art and popular culture.”
She also highlights Banksy’s role in bridging traditional and contemporary pop art. “Banksy is often seen as a graffiti artist, but his work goes far beyond that. His satire, his performances—like shredding a million-dollar piece right after auction—are all part of a broader narrative.”
The exhibition runs until March 8, offering visitors a rare opportunity to experience pop art’s evolution from its golden age to its modern interpretations. “This is more than an exhibition—it’s a statement,” Polina emphasizes. “Pop art was born from the idea that art should be for everyone, not just the elite. We’ve brought that spirit to Kazakhstan, and I hope it inspires our visitors to see the world—and art—in a new way.”
Earlier, the 'Dimash: Conquering the World’ exhibition took place at the National Museum in Kazakh capital Astana.
