Illustrating the Real Feel of Xinjiang

By Li Fangfang

Hairigul Kahar， a 30-year-old illustrator from Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region， hopes that Western mainstream media can hear Xinjiang peoples true voices vibrating through her latest art piece， entitled Voice of Xinjiang.

The digital illustration depicts a Uygur man playing the Tanbur， a traditional local music instrument， seated by a window where some microphones are placed.

“This image has been rooted in my brain since childhood. My father is a music fan in heart and soul，” Kahar told Beijing Review. Her fathers favorite instruments are the Tanbur and Dumbra， two Uygur-styled stringed instruments.

Having witnessed too much Xinjiang- related misinformation in the past several years， she hopes that reporters can help lessen peoples misunderstandings of her birthplace， and stop vilifying the region.

“There was something unhappy about Xinjiang. However， it has become increasingly safe these years. Locals are actively devoted to creating a better life in the region，” Kahar said.

Kahar does not limit herself to Uygur culture. She is also interested in other forms of art， including those of the Kazaks， Mongolians or Xibes， all inhabitants of the region for generations upon generations. BR