Aklima Mardenova, born on 26 March 1954 in Termitau, Kazakhstan, is a textile artist whose work was presented in a series of Venetian exhibitions during 2019. Termitau, a city in the Karaganda region known for its steel mills, provided her early environment, though her artistic direction emerged through formal training at the Gogolia school of art rather than the industrial landscape surrounding her birthplace.
Mardenova works exclusively in hand-weaving, treating threads as brushstrokes to compose her designs. Her technique relies on careful manipulation of weft and warp to build narrative imagery. Her work draws visual inspiration from the traditions and history of Kazakhstan, rendered through pronounced colour contrasts that emphasise the emergence of figures and forms within the woven surface, much like the narrative quality of historical tapestries.
Exhibition History in 2019
Mardenova’s work circulated through multiple Venetian venues during 2019. In February and March, she participated in La Bauta d’Oro, a prize exhibition at D.E.M. Venice Art Gallery, curated by Giancalo Da Lio. The same gallery hosted a Christmas collective exhibition in December 2018 and January 2019, curated by Elena PetrasDuleba. In May, Mardenova exhibited in Venezia 2019 – International Art Exhibition at Hotel Boutique Santa Croce, running until November 2019 and also curated by PetrasDuleba. Her solo exhibition, Alchimie di Luce (Light Alchemy), took place at Hotel Charming Santa Fosca from 2 to 19 July 2019, curated by Giorgia Pollastri.
Frequently asked questions
Where was Aklima Mardenova born?
Mardenova was born on 26 March 1954 in Termitau, a city in the Karaganda region of Kazakhstan known for its steel industry.
What is her primary artistic medium?
She works exclusively in hand-weaving, using threads and the interplay of weft and warp to create narrative compositions inspired by Kazakhstani traditions and history.
Which Venetian gallery featured her solo exhibition in 2019?
Her solo exhibition, Alchimie di Luce, was held at Hotel Charming Santa Fosca from 2 to 19 July 2019, curated by Giorgia Pollastri.
