20 ЛЕТ НЕЙТРАЛИТЕТА
25 YEARS OF TURKMENISTAN’S INTERNATIONAL STATUS OF NEUTRALITY
The capital’s Expo Center is now running an exhibition of paintings and ceramic works devoted to the 25th anniversary of the country’s neutrality, which is being celebrated by the people of Turkmenistan. To mark the special occasion, artists have created new works depicting the Turkmen nation’s constructive endeavors and happy life.
The exhibition features five paintings by Rejepmuhammet Berdiev. The central painting, which is the biggest, is a portrait of Kurbannazar Ezizov. It portrays the poet sitting in a relaxed manner on a bench in the city park, caught in a moment of poetic inspiration. The beloved poet passed away young. He would have turned 80 this year. Modern artists often depict him so young, handsome and full of vitality. On the one hand, it makes us feel an overwhelming sense of loss, but on the other hand, we are unwittingly filled with admiration for the extraordinary talent.
On display is a painting “A Folk Melody Lives On” by Tamara Kisileva. It shows a young bagshy with his dutar against the background of the Turkmen capital ablaze with blooms. It is probably what the performer sings about to the magical sounds of the folk instrument. Or maybe he sings about holidays that are traditionally celebrated by Turkmens on a grand scale.
– I had had an idea for the painting for long, Tamara Mikhailovna shared in a brief interview, but unfortunately, I was not personally acquainted with bagshys so that I could have asked them to sit for my painting. Then, I decided to pay a visit to the national television (Channel 5), where my request was enthusiastically responded to. And a young and up-and-coming bagshy was assigned to sit for me as a model. I would like to express my deep sense of gratitude to the channel staff via your online newspaper.
Next in line is a large modular painting of bright poppies by Berdysakhat Kurbansakhatov. The ruby-colored flowers of majestic beauty, whose tender petals soaked up the warmth of the Turkmen sun and a gentle breeze are a big draw for visitors. The exhibition showcases several works by Berdysakhat. One of the paintings, entitled “Waiting” is devoted to the Silk Road. The theme has long been very popular with artists. The painting portrays a group of Arabs together with Turkmen merchants waiting for the arrival of a goods-laden ship approaching the Caspian Sea coast. Although it provides an accurate and realistic portrayal, the painting is reminiscent of an illustration to an adventure story.
Six wonderfully lyrical landscapes by Klavdia Durdyeva explore the theme of innermost feelings. “A Wicket Gate Leading to the Family Home” seems like any other painting at first sight. But the artist managed to powerfully convey so much love in her painting that viewers can feel it too.
The artist’s oddly-titled “On the Shore of the Sky” is even more captivating. Klavdia painted a tree-lined alley stretching off into the distance. Rich hues, autumn’s golden foliage, and uneven squares produced on the ground by shadows of the trees stripped off their leaves. Everything looks so strikingly beautiful! But why is the landscape entitled “On the Shore of the Sky?” We addressed this question to the painter.
– To the right of the alley, there is a lake and its shore can be seen in the painting. And the sky is reflected in the lake, Klavdia explained simply.
The exhibition also includes 18 ceramic works by ceramist Dilber Umarova, who is greatly admired by regular visitors to the Expo Center. Dilbar’s fascinating terra-cotta figurines always depict rural scenes and tell stories of charming villagers. One of the works features a scene at a tamdyr clay oven: a mother is baking bread and her children are eating it. Another work shows a trader of national headwear haggling with a customer over the price for a takhiya skullcap. The trader has a mischievous tint in her eyes as she wants to sell it at a higher price. Nearby are a crowd of ten men of different ages with a hoe, bread, or a teapot in their hands. Each character has an individual personality, but they all are very good-natured.
– All people, not only rural dwellers, but also city residents are very kind at heart, Dilber explained. We only need to be able to see that kindness. And I can do it.
Devoted to the country’s neutrality, the exhibition brought together the works illustrating the present and past of Turkmenistan, the beauty of people and nature, and put the visitors in a festive mood.