GPAC

MOMUNBEK ASTAR AND YILDIZ ASANGALI EXHIBIT AT GPAC
11/03/08

Paintings from the Kyrgyz Republic by artists Momunbek Astar and Yildiz Asangali are currently on exhibit in the Lobby Gallery of the Germantown Performing Arts Centre. The current exhibit marks Astar's second in Memphis; while in the U.S. by invitation of the Russian Embassy in 2007, Astar exhibited his work at Leighs Art Gallery in downtown Memphis. During his visit, he was honored with the gold Key to the City of Memphis.

An opening reception will be held on Sunday, November 9, from 4 until 6 p.m. in the GPAC lobby, with the U.S. Ambassador from Kyrgyzstan, Zamira Sydykova, expected to attend. The reception is free and open to the public.

WHO: Momunbek Astar and Yildiz Asangali

WHAT: Art Exhibit

WHEN: October 31 - November 11

TICKETS: Exhibit is free and open to the public. Hours are Monday - Friday between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. and evenings of GPAC performances.

WHERE: Germantown Performing Arts Centre

1801 Exeter Road

Germantown, TN 38138

CONTACT: For more information or to arrange an interview with the artist(s), please contact Patricia Cooper at (901) 751-5726.

IMAGES: See attached

Momunbek Astar

The works of Momunbek Astar are diverse in style and substance, but all are nourished from the rich written and oral cultural roots of the Turkish steppe civilization. Some of Astar's works evoke archaic cave drawings, utilizing earth tones, reds and yellows to depict deer, bison and horses with an almost frescoe-like effect. In other works, Astar utilizes abstract and contemporary styles to depict land- and city-scapes from countries around the world, including several of downtown Memphis from Astar's previous visit in 2007.

Yildiz Asangali

Yildiz Asangali was born in Biskek, Kyrgyzstan in 1955. Asangali originally studied psychology, earned a Masters degree and practiced for fifteen years. In 1991, Asangali opened a family art gallery with her husband, Momunbek Astar. Since 1999, art has been Asangali's sole profession with many successful exhibits across Europe and Russia, including an exhibit in St. Petersburg in 2006. Asangali's work has garnered many honors, including one from the President of Kyrgyzstan.