The article "Art is Killed by Authoritarian Rule and Capitalism", published in 98mag,
features an interview with Prominent sociologist Dr. Galym Zhusipbek,
where he discusses the challenges art faces under authoritarian regimes
and capitalist economies.
features an interview with Prominent sociologist Dr. Galym Zhusipbek,
where he discusses the challenges art faces under authoritarian regimes
and capitalist economies.
Galym argues that in authoritarian countries, art is often subordinated to the state, losing its independence and primary role as a means of resistance and social consciousness. Instead of serving as a medium for free expression and critique, it becomes a tool for propaganda or is suppressed altogether. In capitalist systems, on the other hand, art is frequently commodified, reduced to mere products designed for mass consumption rather than meaningful cultural expression. This, according to Zhusipbek, undermines the true essence of art, which should be about creativity, community, and deeper societal impact rather than profit.
During the interview, Zhusipbek highlights the research conducted by the NURCE team, led by Professor Shumaila Yousafzai. He praises their work in decolonial entrepreneurship, which focuses on reviving and sustaining traditional crafts and artistic enterprises in Central Asia.
He notes that their studies have explored cases such as Uzbek carpet weaving and the craft of faience production, where artisans not only create beautiful works of art but also emphasize the cultural and social significance of their craft. These entrepreneurs often do not see financial gain as their primary motivation. Instead, they describe their work as a way to preserve traditions, contribute to society, and uphold values rooted in spirituality. One of the artisans even states, “We are people of faith, and God loves beauty.” This reflects a fundamentally different paradigm of art and entrepreneurship, one that contrasts sharply with Western capitalist models, where financial success is often prioritized over cultural and spiritual fulfillment.
Galym was a Keynote speaker at the DAAD funded Conference on Decolonization organized by NURCE in October 2024
Zhusipbek emphasizes that NURCE’s research is crucial in protecting and revitalizing traditional artistic businesses, which might otherwise be eroded by the pressures of global capitalism or authoritarian restrictions. By studying and documenting these artistic enterprises, the research center sheds light on the ways in which artisans can sustain their work outside purely profit-driven systems, ensuring that their crafts remain a vital part of Central Asian cultural heritage.
In this sense, according to Galym, the work of NURCE is not just about studying entrepreneurship—it is about advocating for a more equitable and culturally rooted approach to business and art, where creativity and community take precedence over commercialization.
In this sense, according to Galym, the work of NURCE is not just about studying entrepreneurship—it is about advocating for a more equitable and culturally rooted approach to business and art, where creativity and community take precedence over commercialization.
