When Apricots Blossom: Uzbekistan Shapes the Vision for the Aral Region’s Future at Milan Design Week 2026
Uzbekistan
Uzbekistan makes its debut at the prestigious Milan Design Week 2026 with a large-scale exhibition titled "When Apricots Blossom," running from April 20 to 26 at Palazzo Citterio. The project is organized by the Art and Culture Development Foundation of Uzbekistan (ACDF) and curated by architect Kulapat Yantrasast, the founder of WHY Architecture.
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The centerpiece of the exhibition is the Garden Pavilion—a "deconstructed yurt" inspired by the region's nomadic heritage. The space serves as a hub for lectures, workshops, and discussions, bringing together professionals and the general public to explore themes of culture, ecology, and design.
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The exhibition traces the transformation of the Aral Sea region—from one of the 20th century's greatest ecological disasters to the modern initiatives, projects, and communities shaping its future. Key highlights include artifacts selected by participants of the Aral School program, as well as 12 new design works inspired by traditional Uzbek bread-making practices.
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The title of the exhibition refers to a 1937 poem by Hamid Alimjan, which has become a symbol of spring, hope, and resilience. This concept forms the foundation of the entire project, uniting designers, craftsmen, architects, and researchers from across the globe. The focus remains on design and craft as tools for the restoration of territories impacted by climate change.
Special emphasis is placed on Karakalpakstan and northwestern Uzbekistan, where the consequences of the Aral Sea's desiccation have radically altered the natural and socio-economic environment over decades. Despite these challenges, the region's craft traditions continue to evolve, maintaining their practical and cultural significance.
In preparation for the project, the curator visited various regions of Uzbekistan to study local practices and interact with master craftsmen. The concept centers on three fundamental craft traditions: bread-making, yurt construction, and brush-making. These reflect basic human needs—food, shelter, and clothing—and demonstrate how knowledge is passed down through generations.
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The main exposition is structured as an artistic inquiry, combining contemporary design solutions, architectural concepts, and experimental materials. The scenography, developed by the WHY Architecture team led by Oscar Boquillon, utilizes wave-like forms reminiscent of the reed landscapes of the Aral region.
Inside the installation, limited-edition objects are displayed—custom bread stamps (chekich) and trays made from wood, silk, felt, ceramics, and reeds. These works, created by international designers in collaboration with Uzbek and Karakalpak masters, reinterpret traditional forms and ornaments, showcasing their relevance in a modern context.
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The exhibition is complemented by the film "Where the Water Ends," produced with the participation of ACDF by director Manuel Correa and architect Marina Otero Verzier. The film explores the daily lives and landscapes of the Aral Sea region, enhancing the visual and emotional impact of the exhibition.
A significant part of the project was the announcement of the upcoming Aral Culture Summit 2026, which will take place on September 11–13, 2026, in Nukus. The summit will bring together international experts to discuss the role of culture as a driver for ecological and social recovery.
ACDF projects in Karakalpakstan are implemented as part of a state strategy initiated by the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, aimed at the sustainable development of the region, the restoration of ecosystems, and the fulfillment of cultural potential.
According to Gayane Umerova, the Chairperson of the Foundation, the Aral Sea today serves as both a warning and an example for other regions of the world facing climate challenges. In these conditions, design and craft become vital tools for adaptation, as they are rooted in the knowledge and experience of the communities themselves.
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The exhibition route concludes at the Garden Pavilion in the palazzo's garden—a space for communication, learning, and reflection. Here, masterclasses on traditional craftsmanship, lectures, and discussions are held, where local experience interacts with global ideas.
The "When Apricots Blossom" exhibition demonstrates how a new vision for the future of the Aral region is formed through the synthesis of tradition and innovation, while also strengthening Uzbekistan's cultural presence on the international stage.
The exhibition traces the transformation of the Aral Sea region—from one of the 20th century's greatest ecological disasters to the modern initiatives, projects, and communities shaping its future. Key highlights include artifacts selected by participants of the Aral School program, as well as 12 new design works inspired by traditional Uzbek bread-making practices.
The title of the exhibition refers to a 1937 poem by Hamid Alimjan, which has become a symbol of spring, hope, and resilience. This concept forms the foundation of the entire project, uniting designers, craftsmen, architects, and researchers from across the globe. The focus remains on design and craft as tools for the restoration of territories impacted by climate change.
Special emphasis is placed on Karakalpakstan and northwestern Uzbekistan, where the consequences of the Aral Sea's desiccation have radically altered the natural and socio-economic environment over decades. Despite these challenges, the region's craft traditions continue to evolve, maintaining their practical and cultural significance.
In preparation for the project, the curator visited various regions of Uzbekistan to study local practices and interact with master craftsmen. The concept centers on three fundamental craft traditions: bread-making, yurt construction, and brush-making. These reflect basic human needs—food, shelter, and clothing—and demonstrate how knowledge is passed down through generations.
The main exposition is structured as an artistic inquiry, combining contemporary design solutions, architectural concepts, and experimental materials. The scenography, developed by the WHY Architecture team led by Oscar Boquillon, utilizes wave-like forms reminiscent of the reed landscapes of the Aral region.
Inside the installation, limited-edition objects are displayed—custom bread stamps (chekich) and trays made from wood, silk, felt, ceramics, and reeds. These works, created by international designers in collaboration with Uzbek and Karakalpak masters, reinterpret traditional forms and ornaments, showcasing their relevance in a modern context.
The exhibition is complemented by the film "Where the Water Ends," produced with the participation of ACDF by director Manuel Correa and architect Marina Otero Verzier. The film explores the daily lives and landscapes of the Aral Sea region, enhancing the visual and emotional impact of the exhibition.
A significant part of the project was the announcement of the upcoming Aral Culture Summit 2026, which will take place on September 11–13, 2026, in Nukus. The summit will bring together international experts to discuss the role of culture as a driver for ecological and social recovery.
ACDF projects in Karakalpakstan are implemented as part of a state strategy initiated by the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, aimed at the sustainable development of the region, the restoration of ecosystems, and the fulfillment of cultural potential.
According to Gayane Umerova, the Chairperson of the Foundation, the Aral Sea today serves as both a warning and an example for other regions of the world facing climate challenges. In these conditions, design and craft become vital tools for adaptation, as they are rooted in the knowledge and experience of the communities themselves.
The exhibition route concludes at the Garden Pavilion in the palazzo's garden—a space for communication, learning, and reflection. Here, masterclasses on traditional craftsmanship, lectures, and discussions are held, where local experience interacts with global ideas.
The "When Apricots Blossom" exhibition demonstrates how a new vision for the future of the Aral region is formed through the synthesis of tradition and innovation, while also strengthening Uzbekistan's cultural presence on the international stage.
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