Logo says 'To Be -- Named.'
Logo says 'To Be -- Named.'
Logo says 'To Be -- Named.'
  • A grey H within three green lines suggesting the letter E.
  • Recovering is written in gold and Voices is written in orange.
  • COLING is written in black with an orange speech bubble.

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Altyn Kapalova

Altyn Kapalova

Altyn is a prominent feminist activist, artist, artivist, and researcher known for her unwavering dedication to activism in every aspect of her life. She is the founder of MoFa+ and an icon for many women artists and activists in Central Asia and beyond. Her own existence serves as a form of activism, as she challenges the societal norms prevailing in Kyrgyzstan.

In Kyrgyzstan, all official documents associate our names with our father's name. But where is the justice for those courageous mothers who raise their children alone? Altyn took a stand by changing the paternal names on her children's documents to her matronym. Subsequently, she pursued a legal case against the government, seeking recognition for her cause. She won and lost the case in several courts. It has become political with the president and constitutional court involvement. Although she faced a setback, her actions sparked a movement. Many supporters joined her cause by publicly adopting their mothers' names, shining a spotlight on the labor and significance of mothers. Through this movement, mothers are made visible to their children through the reflection of their names—the embodiment of their maternal dedication and hard work.

Altyn's tireless efforts continue to champion the rights and visibility of mothers, demonstrating the profound impact that one person's determination can have on societal change. Her work transcends traditional boundaries, merging art, activism, and research to bring attention to the transformative power of motherhood and advocate for a more just and inclusive society.


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MOTHER'S NAME (UNBENDING)

Textile Installation: Fabric, threads, beads, mirrors, and branches

You enter the world just a newborn trying to survive, learning about the air, space, and touch. Everything is new, and you're fragile. But then comes the crushing blow: "we didn't want you." They didn't want you because you were a girl. Close relatives name you something so you don't forget you weren't wanted – Uulbolsun, Zhanyl, Burul, Uukelsin, Burulcha, Uulcha, Uultai, Toktoaiym, Myrzagul, Almash and so on. You hear it often enough that the name sticks to you your whole life. In the mirror, who do you see? Yourself, not someone's desire for a son. You're born to live your life, you are not a mistake of fate.

I am Altyn, the fifth daughter in my family, and I have a sister named Zhanyl. Despite my sister being named Zhanyl, I, too, defied the odds by being born a girl and surviving. I grew up, became a mother to three children, and passed on my name to them. For the past three years, I have been fiercely fighting for my rights and the rights of my children—the right to carry my name.

We can give names that welcome the birth of our daughters. Despite oppression and corrupt power. We can, and we do.