Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art in Gateshead has unveiled a major new solo exhibition by the acclaimed Uzbek artist Saodat Ismailova. Titled 'As We Fade', the immersive show opened to the public on 4 December 2024 and will run until 23 March 2025.
The exhibition marks a significant moment for Ismailova, representing her most substantial presentation in a UK institution to date. It features a powerful collection of her recent film and sound installations, which delve into themes of memory, cultural erosion, and spiritual traditions.
An Immersive Journey Through Sound and Image
At the heart of the exhibition is the two-channel film installation 'Chillpiq' (2022). This work transports viewers to a remote mountain village in Tajikistan, focusing on the last practising female shamans of the region. Ismailova's camera captures their rituals and daily lives, creating a poignant document of a fading tradition.
Another central piece is the video work 'The Haunted' (2022). This installation explores the legacy of Soviet-era reclamation of the Aral Sea, an ecological disaster that displaced communities and reshaped landscapes. The work reflects on the ghosts of this history, both environmental and human.
The exhibition is carefully curated to be an immersive sensory experience. Visitors move through darkened rooms where soundscapes—featuring traditional Central Asian instruments, chants, and ambient noise—are as crucial as the visual imagery. This approach encourages a contemplative, almost meditative engagement with the artworks.
Preserving Cultural Memory in a Modern World
Ismailova's work is deeply rooted in the history and folklore of Central Asia, yet it speaks to universal concerns. A recurring theme is the tension between preservation and loss. Her films act as archives for oral histories, rituals, and ecological knowledge that are at risk of disappearing in the face of modernisation and political change.
The artist does not merely document; she reanimates. Through her lyrical filmmaking, she invites audiences to connect with these stories on an emotional and spiritual level. The exhibition's title, 'As We Fade', hints at this process—not just of traditions fading, but of the artist's role in capturing their essence before they vanish.
Baltic's director, Sarah Munro, has championed the exhibition, noting its importance in expanding the narrative of contemporary art beyond Western centres. The show is supported by the Art Fund and forms part of Baltic's ongoing commitment to presenting groundbreaking international artists.
A Must-See Exhibition in the North East
For art enthusiasts and curious visitors alike, 'As We Fade' offers a rare opportunity to engage with the rich and complex cultural landscape of Central Asia. It is a show that demands time and quiet reflection, rewarding viewers with a profound sense of connection to distant places and peoples.
Located on the south bank of the River Tyne, Baltic Gateshead provides the perfect industrial yet contemplative space for Ismailova's powerful work. Admission to the exhibition is free, in line with Baltic's policy, making this significant cultural event accessible to all.
With its compelling blend of stunning visuals, evocative sound, and urgent themes, Saodat Ismailova's 'As We Fade' is set to be one of the most talked-about contemporary art exhibitions in the UK this season.
