During Milan Design Week 2026, the Uzbekistan Art and Culture Development Foundation (ACDF) proudly unveils 'When Apricots Blossom,' an exhibition celebrating Uzbek craft. Hosted at the esteemed Palazzo Citterio in Brera, this captivating display offers a profound exploration of Karakalpakstan's cultural expressions through textiles, culinary arts, and architectural forms. The exhibition, conceived by ACDF Chairperson Gayane Umerova and curated by Kulapat Yantrasast of WHY Architecture, ingeniously reinterprets ancient traditions within a modern design context, showcasing a dynamic interplay between past and present.
Inspired by Hamid Olimjon's 1930s poem, 'When Apricots Blossom' beautifully weaves a narrative of ecological inheritance through the region's craft and design, particularly focusing on the Aral Sea area, which has faced significant environmental challenges. Curator Kulapat Yantrasast, a distinguished architect influenced by Tadao Ando, emphasizes Uzbek craft as a 'living knowledge'—a material intelligence that transmits ancestral memories across generations. This collaborative endeavor, a cornerstone of Uzbekistan's ongoing commitment to rejuvenating the Aral Sea region, aims to position the nation's profound cultural legacy on the global design stage. It brings together a diverse group of twelve contemporary designers, including luminaries such as Bethan Laura Wood, Marcin Rusak, and Nifemi Marcus-Bello, to work alongside skilled Uzbek artisans, reinforcing the belief that design is an ever-evolving journey of innovation and tradition.
The exhibition at Palazzo Citterio thoughtfully unpacks Karakalpak culture through three compelling themes: textiles, food, and shelter. Visitors are greeted by an exquisite tapestry designed by Bethan Laura Wood in collaboration with local Uzbek artisans, featuring hand-woven ribbons and tassels traditionally used in nomadic yurts. The main gallery then unfolds the compelling narrative of the Aral Sea and the ongoing initiatives to shape its future. Presentations from the Aral School and the Aral Culture Summit, alongside a specially commissioned film titled 'Where The Water Ends,' are artfully integrated within an undulating landscape of reed-like rods, designed by WHY Architecture, evoking the region's distinctive environment. Bridging the gap between the installation and daily life, designers showcase custom-crafted bread trays and stamps, known as 'chekich,' highlighting the profound significance of bread ('non') in Uzbek hospitality. These intricate pieces, fashioned from wood, silk, felt, reed, and ceramic, exemplify both artistry and functionality. The historic garden provides a serene setting for a 'deconstructed yurt'—a contemporary interpretation of traditional dwellings by WHY Architecture—which serves as a dynamic space for public programs, including engaging talks, hands-on workshops, and insightful guided tours throughout the week. This comprehensive exhibition not only celebrates Uzbekistan's vibrant craft heritage but also underscores a message of environmental awareness and cultural preservation.