DAVRA research group at MAKE VOICES HEARD symposium

The artist talk by DAVRA research group (Madina Joldybek, Zumrad Mirzalieva, Saodat Ismailova) will take place at the MAKE VOICES HEARD (December 16–17) symposium organized by Hope Recycling Station, which focuses on decolonial reflections on power and racism in Central and Eastern Europe and Central Asia.

The talk explores the historical connections between inadequate water exploitation and female labor in Soviet-era Central Asia. Centered around the Great Fergana Canal and the Cotton Dance Paxta Raqsi, the discussion examines the intentional manipulation of both water resources and women for industrial ends, notably in cotton production. 

DAVRA research group's mission is to connect and develop the Central Asian art scene by fostering dynamic exchanges of experiences and knowledge within the region as a priority. The group was initiated in 2021 by Saodat Ismailova as an extension of her project “Chilltan” for documenta fifteen and since then they have been actively working both in Central Asia and beyond.This artist talk explores the historical connections between inadequate resource exploitation and female labor in Soviet-era Central Asia. Centered around the irrigation of the Big Fergana Canal, the discussion examines the intentional manipulation of both water resources and women for industrial ends, notably in cotton production.

The artist talk is realized as part of the DAVRA collective’s artistic residency, which takes place in 2023 as part of the Biennale Matter of Art 2024, curated by Aleksei Borisionok and Katalin Erdődi, organized by the tranzit.cz initiative. The tranzit.cz art residencies are supported by the City of Prague and the ERSTE Foundation.

Venue:

Academy of Art, Architecture and Design (Technology Center Mikulandská)
Mikulandská 134/5
110 00 Praha 1

Date and time:

DAVRA research group will give their artist talk on December 16

12:15–13:00

Language:

English