“Borderlands”, a collection of works from celebrated Xinjiang artist Aniwar Mamat, on show at Sydney’s Vermilion Art gallery
Aniwar Mamat is no stranger to Australia, the Beijing-based artist born in Xinjiang is in the country for his third visit with a collection of hand-woven wool carpets, modern oils on canvas and acrylic on corrugated panels. Three of his works are currently at the National Gallery of Victoria.
Born in 1962 in Kashgar, Xinjiang province, China, he is a prominent Uyghur artist renowned for his innovative approach to abstract painting. His work seamlessly integrates elements of traditional Uyghur culture with modern abstract techniques, creating a unique visual language that resonates globally.
Speaking on the eve of his Sydney exhibition at Vermilion Art in Walsh Bay, he says, “In my art I have a dialogue with the canvas and an important part of a work is waiting for the canvas to give me a response.” His work is that of interaction between himself and his art and, according to Mamat, in his painting he looks to the work itself to indicate when it is complete.
While he brings inspiration, past experiences and influences to his art, he approaches his works without preconceived notions neither about the production of the work nor its interpretation upon completion.
Xinjiang is the largest, and westernmost, province in China and the one bordering the most countries; eight in total. His early surroundings left an impression that can be seen in his art today. “When I think about it”, he says, “the architecture, the colour and the elements I am using definitely have an influence from Xinjiang and its neighbouring countries.”
Growing up in the ancient Silk Road city of Kashgar, Mamat was immersed in the rich cultural tapestry of the Uyghur people. He began his artistic journey by studying at the Tianjin Institute of Art and Design, followed by a degree from the Central Institute of National Minorities in Beijing, where he specialized in oil painting.
Initially influenced by minimalism and figural representation, his work evolved into a distinctive form of abstraction. Drawing inspiration from his early experiences in Uyghur carpetmaking, his paintings often evoke the textures of felt or woven fabric, reflecting the tactile nature of his heritage.
While a number of his works, particularly in carpet, have been described as minimalist, he does not necessarily share this view. He says, “The interpretation of complexity or simplicity is actually the interpretation of the audience.
“For example, a carpet which some might think is quite simple, is very complicated in its production; my intention is to lead people into and out of the individual artworks.”
His abstractions are not merely aesthetic; they are imbued with references to desert landscapes, cityscapes, and the inner world. To capture these sensations, he has developed unique materials, including a water-soluble pigment that interacts with environmental elements like wind and rain, allowing nature to influence the final artwork.
His innovative approach has garnered international acclaim. He has participated in numerous exhibitions worldwide, including the 1st Xinjiang International Art Biennale in Urumqi and solo exhibitions at Pékin Fine Arts in Hong Kong and Beijing.
His work stands as a testament to the fusion of tradition and innovation. Through his abstract paintings, he offers a window into the soul of the Uyghur culture, inviting viewers to experience the delicate interplay between heritage and contemporary expression.
Borderlands 境·域
Curated by Dr Geoff Raby
29 April – 31 May 2025
Vermilion Art
5-6/16 Hickson Rd, Walsh Bay, Sydney
