Researcher helps Kazakhstan forge new identity from its distant past
Video: Texas A&M University
In the emerging Central Asian country of Kazakhstan, Stephen Caffey, a Texas A&M researcher who specializes in heritage conservation and art history, is advising an artist-led initiative promoting the country’s storied history, cultural diversity and aspirations.
Initially recruited in 2010 by the Kazakh National Academy of the Arts to serve on doctoral dissertation committees, Caffey has expanded his role to include teaching, advising heritage conservation efforts, and facilitating scholarly exchange. He is also a founding member of the Central Asian Journal of Art Studies editorial board.
Caffey’s seventh and most recent trip to Kazakhstan is featured in a 360-degree video shot in the capital city of Astana. It was one of several such videos featured at Texas A&M University’s activation at this year’s South by Southwest, Austin’s annual mega-event celebrating the convergence of creative industries.
“Kazakhstan is one of the most exciting and dynamic places on the planet,” Caffey said. “And just like Texas A&M is rooted in its traditions, Kazakhstan is interested in rediscovering their very distant past and also being on the cutting edge of future developments in architecture, energy and technology.”
In 1991, Kazakhstan became the last Soviet republic to declare independence. To realize the transition, the nascent country’s leaders turned to their Academy of Arts for help developing a new national identity that included replacing Soviet-era sculptures with art reflecting the diverse cultures and beliefs of the country’s 18 million residents.
Inhabited by Turkish and Mongol nomads in the 13th century, Kazakhstan now has more than 131 ethnicities and many religions represented within its borders. All of these cultures, exhibited at the academy through dance, art, music and theatrical performance, are now celebrated equally.
“Kazakhstan is using the arts in a central role in the formation of their own national art history, almost in the same way we did in the early days of the U.S,” Caffey said. “Because a major theme in my research is the relationship between art and identity, working with the Kazakh National Academy of the Arts is a perfect partnership.”
Caffey is an instructional assistant professor and associate department head for research in the Department of Visualization.
