Every autumn, as leaves turn and temperatures drop, Uzbek artist Gulnur Arkin heads to the riverbeds of the Ili Kazakh Autonomous Prefecture in the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. There, she hunts for pebbles and fragments in every hue: rust-red, slate-gray, sunlit amber.
Back in her studio, these stones become more than curiosities. Gulnur grinds them into pigment powders, then blends them with oil, gouache, and sculptural techniques. Layer by layer, she crafts color stone paintings defined by intricate textures, subtle color shifts, and geological depth.
Her process is part artistry, part material science. “The fineness of each powder affects how light dances across the surface,” Gulnur explains. By adjusting particle size and binder ratios, she shifts a single pigment from dusty rose to glowing coral—all without artificial dyes.
After years of experimentation, she has mastered dozens of grinding and mixing methods, unlocking a wide spectrum of natural hues. Her art has caught the imagination of galleries and workshops globally, showcasing the power of sustainable, locally sourced creativity.
For young creators and material innovators, Gulnur’s work is a masterclass in resourcefulness. It proves that true innovation often lies dormant beneath our feet, waiting for a curious eye to uncover its hidden colors.
Her creative journey also resonates with travelers and digital nomads hungry for sustainable experiences—reminding us that art and exploration go hand in hand.
One stone, many stories: that’s the legacy Gulnur Arkin is building—one pigment-packed painting at a time.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
