Punk Orientalism: Central Asia's Contemporary Art Revolution - Softcover

Punk Orientalism explores the radical story of contemporary art in Central Asia since the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991 following almost 75 years of Soviet rule. What ensued was the chaotic emergence of various political, religious and ethnic groups vying for power. At the same time a new generation of contemporary artists were emerging from art schools into this changing and divided society. Punk Orientalism examines this cohort of artists and their creation of art that challenged the Soviet style dogmas dominating academe in Central Asia. In critiquing societal hypocrisy this formed a movement that contributed to the evolution of a Central Asian contemporary art scene. Alongside interviews and essays this book aims to provide both an introduction and comprehensive survey of one of the most under- researched regions in the contemporary art world, yet one that remains a truly emerging market positioned at the intersection of Asia's social, cultural and economic development. Focusing on art from Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and Afghanistan it features a breadth of important artists that form a comprehensive survey of the subject.

Sara Raza is an independent curator, writer and a co-editor of "ArtAsiaPacific" magazine. She currently works as an associate curator at Maraya Art Centre, Sharjah and the Artist Pension Trust.