Cultural Impressionism

With an ongoing dialog between the history of Central Asia and contemporary life, the artwork of Lola Guhl, defined as cultural impressionism, is a type of conceptual art conveyed through the revival of ancient art methods.  Planning and decisions for each piece are made to promote sensory impressions about cultural development and historical detail.

Blending the Impressionist Style and Conceptual Art

In painting, the goal of the impressionist style created by Claude Monet is to produce an impression of a scene or object in motion. It differs from realism that seeks to authentically recreate exact details of a form frozen in a static state. Similarly, the aim of cultural impressionism is to create a visual impression of a region’s history and culture in continuum. Drawing conclusions about connections that traverse time, historical information is related to experiences of contemporary life.

Geometric Design and Organic Meaning

Lola Guhl in the Uzbek language, a latter form of Chagatai, translates to tulip in English, symbolizing life regeneration and continuity. The image of Lola Guhl, inspired by contemporary fashion illustrations, steps through the ancient doorway of the Ismail Samani Mausoleum into a modern world. Dressed in an authentic chapan, life moves perpetually on.  The silk cloth spills from her hands, forever moving and enticing.

DMS