Bukhara Biennial 2025: Curing Hearts with Art and Food
Getting the Party Startin'
Artistic Banquet Awaits: Bukhara Biennial in Uzbekistan Offering Art, Emotion, and Rebuilding on a Cultural Plate
This September, buckle up for the inaugural Bukhara Biennial, dubbed "Recipes for Broken Hearts," making its grand debut in the heart of historic Bukhara, Uzbekistan, from the 5th of September to the 20th of November, 2025. The epic 10-week event is the brainchild of the Uzbekistan Art and Culture Development Foundation, helmed by Commissioner Gayane Umerova, with Los Angeles-based curator Diana Campbell leading the charge. Meanwhile, Wael Al Awar is lending his creative genius as the architectural director, ensuring a perfect blend of art, culture, and history[1][2].
Healing Through Art and Time
This life-affirming jamboree dives deep into the magical world of art and culture, utilizing the essence of time to heal our hurting hearts. From painstaking art installations to intimate culinary experiences, it all boils down to showcasing the power of togetherness[1][2].
Star-Studded Artworks
More than 70 groundbreaking artists from around the globe will be joining forces, sharing their talents with the world, with a few notable names in the scene making a much-anticipated appearance. Don't miss out on these powerhouse artists, such as:- Antony Gormley- Subodh Gupta- Binta Diaw- Wael Shawky- Kazakh artists, including Gulnur Mukazhanova, Aisultan Seit, Aziza Shadenova, and Saule Suleimenova,- And Uzbek artists, promising an international artistic vibe[1][4].
Exciting Installations
Artist Suchi Reddy will grace us with an innovative installation for the event, an added layer of contemporary art to the biennial[3].
Bukhara Uncorked
The Biennial will turn Bukhara into a vibrant melting pot of culture and creativity, where art exhibitions, culinary experiences, and soulful music performances create an unforgettable blend of tradition and innovation. Experience authentic Uzbek culture while exploring cutting-edge contemporary art practices[2][4].
Did You Know?
Interestingly, palov, a celebrated Uzbek dish, is said to have been conjured up by the philosopher and physician Ibn Sina to mend the broken heart of a princely lad who couldn't win the hand of a craftsman's daughter[1]. Turns out palov isn't just food—it's medicine for the soul!
In a world of emotional turmoil, the Nobel Prize-winning behavioral economist Daniel Kahneman emphasized the importance of shared meals (commensality) as one of the greatest contributors to our emotional well-being[1].
Meanwhile, Uzbekistan couldn't help but impress the world by showcasing 17 historic exhibits showcasing the country's rich cultural heritage at the second Islamic Arts Biennale in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. These priceless treasures include:- Several pages of the eighth-century "Kattalangar Quran," a must-see piece from Islamic history,- "At-Tafhim li Awa'il Sina'at al-Tanjim" (The Book of Instruction in the Elements of the Art of Astrology) by Abu Rayhon Beruniy (13th century),- "Zij-i Ulugh Beg" by Mirzo Ulugbek (16th century), and- The "Tashkent Scrolls" (16th century)[1].
So, mark your calendars, folks! This October, it's going down, and you don't wanna miss it. The best part? Admission is absolutely free!
- Amidst the exhibitions and performances, the Bukhara Biennial offers a variety of food-and-drink experiences showcasing the healing power of authentic Uzbek cuisine, such as palov, which was reportedly created by philosopher Ibn Sina to mend a broken heart.
- In addition to the Kunsthall, travelers attending the Bukhara Biennial can immerse themselves in Uzbek art, culture, and lifestyle by exploring its diverse food-and-drink offerings, intimate culinary experiences, and soulful music performances during their stay, creating a memorable fusion of tradition and innovation.

