Art as a Space for Dialogue: ‘Dürer. Metamorphoses of Alchemy’ Exhibition Opens in Astana
Leila Mahat and «Kulanshi» Gallery, partners of the International Center for Interfaith and Interreligious Dialogue, introduce the capital’s audience to the artistic and intellectual heritage of the Northern Renaissance.
On 29 October, the LM Kulanshi Art Gallery in Astana hosted the presentation of the exhibition «Dürer. Metamorphoses of Alchemy». The exhibition is dedicated to Albrecht Dürer, one of the greatest masters of the Northern Renaissance, and to the intellectual world of an era in which art, mathematics and the study of nature were closely intertwined.
At the opening ceremony, the Apostolic Nuncio of the Holy See to the Republic of Kazakhstan, Archbishop George Panamthundil, delivered welcoming remarks. He highlighted the significance of the exhibition, noting that in an age of rapid advances in high technology and artificial intelligence, art continues to hold a special value and significance for humanity.
Leila Mahat, the exhibition’s organiser, renowned artist and gallerist, noted that its preparation had taken more than a year and involved extensive research and creative work. She emphasised that the exhibition not only introduces visitors to the rich heritage of the past but also invites them to reflect on humanity’s enduring quest to understand the world, seek meaning and pursue spiritual growth.
Engravings, early printed books, alchemical treatises and historical artefacts offer insight into the era’s understanding of nature, knowledge and art. A special place in the exhibition is given to the engraving «Pietà», whose authorship remains a subject of scholarly research.
The exhibition will be open to visitors from 30 October 2026 to 24 January 2027 at 22A Kassym Amanzholov Street, Astana.
