Oyjon Khayrullaeva: Artist in Residence

Oyjon Khayrullaeva’s practice is deeply rooted in the cultural and spiritual heritage of Central Asia. She was born in Bukhara and currently lives in Tashkent, where she draws inspiration from myths, legends, dreams, and emotional states, transforming them into contemporary visual narratives. Of particular importance are oral stories about ancient Bukhara and traditions that have gradually disappeared from everyday life, as recounted by her grandmother.

The basis of Oyjon Khayrullaeva’s artistic language lies in reinterpreting the intricate geometry of Islamic mosaic patterns and miniature paintings, which she photographs and then reworks into imaginative digital collages where mythical images are interwoven with personal and social narratives. The series Eight Lives, created for the Bukhara Biennial 2025, consists of three large tile images in blue and white depicting lungs, heart, and liver together with medicinal plants. The work is based on traditional knowledge about health and healing for women, something she learned from her grandmother. As artist-in-residence at Kin, she will devote her time to research into local knowledge of health and folk medicine.

Artists in residence 2026

In 2026, artists Bernd Krauß, Mikhail Tolmachev, Rehaf Al Batniji, Simon Ferner, Eleonora Edreva, and Oyjon Khayrullaeva will spend time in Kiruna and Norrbotten conducting research, producing work, and collaborating on upcoming exhibitions and projects at Kin.

Bernd Krauß is developing his solo exhibition at the Art Workshop and will also lead the art camp during the winter break. Mikhail Tolmachev is continuing his work on the multi-year project Borg Mesch: A Photographer in Sápmi during the Colonial Period and is participating in the exhibition The Use of Photography: Borg Mesch, Hans-Olof Utsi, and Mikhail Tolmachev. Rehaf Al Batniji is preparing to participate in a group exhibition and conducting new research during his stay.

Simon Ferner is continuing his long-term work on mining history and the interlinked stories of LKAB in Kiruna, Grängesberg, and LAMCO in Liberia. Eleonora Edreva and Oyjon Khayrullaeva are focusing on local craft and knowledge traditions, with a particular interest in plant dyeing, health, and folk medicine, as part of their contributions to upcoming group exhibitions.

Read more about all the artists in residence at Kin 2026 here.

Image 1: Stranger
Image 2: The World