Founded in Almaty by actor Alexandra Morozova and director Rustem Begenov, ORTA is a collective expounding “New Genius Theory,” an artistic-philosophical system inspired by the Kazakhstani visionary Sergey Kalmykov (1891-1967). Their theatrical and playful espousal of such concepts as “the Power of Everyone’s Genius” address the traumatic history of atomic bomb testing in Kazakhstan by transforming destructive power into positive energy.
The New Genius Temple of the Great Atomic Bombreflector is a device created according to the principles of “New Genius Theory.” Its central element is the tus kiiz carpet—an portal between dimensions in traditional Kazakh culture—which is embroidered with the magical words of Kalmykov. Built of 5,000 disposable aluminum containers, the temple was designed specifically for the Crystal Gallery at Seoul Museum of Art, which ORTA treats as a “crystal that collects and focuses the flows of the museum’s artistic energy.” Inside it, visitors are able to connect their genius to “the Spectacular Channel” that transforms violence into creativity.
ORTA (Alexandra Morozova and Rustem Begenov), The New Genius Temple of The Great Atomic Bombreflector, 2025. multi-media installation with disposable aluminum food containers, mylar blanket, light, sound. dimensions variable. Commissioned by The 13th Seoul Mediacity Biennale. Courtesy of the artist
