My Riverbeds: Dina Baitasova’s Alchemical Art Exhibition

Kazakhstani artist Dina Baitasova presents her deeply personal solo exhibition, “My Riverbeds”, an immersive exploration of identity, spiritual growth, and transformation. Drawing on the symbolic languages of alchemy and mythology, Baitasova invites the audience to follow her artistic journey—a journey that spans 15 years and unfolds like the flowing currents of a river, ever-changing and renewing.

A Journey Through Art, Alchemy, and Myth

Baitasova’s visual storytelling weaves together a rich tapestry of alchemical processes, mythological symbols, and the natural landscapes of Kazakhstan and Greece. Her work is a reflection of her internal pilgrimage, paralleling human life to the flow of a river: full of twists, turns, and the search for new horizons.

Key Themes of the Exhibition:

Alchemy: Baitasova likens the artistic process to alchemy, where the artist, much like an alchemist, mixes and transforms inner experiences, searching for their true self.
Mythology: References to Kazakh, Greek, and global myths permeate her work, offering a rich symbolic framework for viewers to explore.
Nature: The landscapes of Kazakhstan and Greece provide both a literal and figurative backdrop, mirroring the artist’s soul and acting as a wellspring of creative power.

The Alchemical Stages of the Exhibition

The exhibition is divided into three sections, each corresponding to an alchemical process:

Nigredo (Black Work): Representing chaos and the beginning of inner exploration, this stage features works dominated by deep blues, symbolizing a dive into the unconscious.
Albedo (White Work): A stage of rebirth and purification, with white plaster sculptures that represent shedding old forms and embracing renewal.
Rubedo (Red Work): The culmination of personal and universal harmony, where themes of femininity and the power of nature come to the fore. Central to this stage is the red-hued imagery of mountains, evoking the “Great Mother” from Turkic mythology.

Through these stages, Baitasova offers a glimpse into her extensive inner work, sharing her creations with a public audience for the first time.

About the Artist

Dina Baitasova’s artistic path began in Paris 15 years ago, where she first grappled with questions of identity and belonging. Her surname, “Bay-tas” (meaning “precious stone” in Kazakh), became a central symbol in her personal mythology, representing her creative evolution.

The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 further intensified her introspective process, leading to a re-evaluation of her roots and direction. A 2021 pilgrimage to sacred sites in Kazakhstan deepened her spiritual connection with her homeland, followed by an influential art residency in Greece in 2022. Surrounded by Byzantine art and ancient myths, Baitasova crystallized her artistic vision, ultimately leading to this transformative exhibition.