Traditionally, an exhibition featuring works created exclusively by women is held at the Exhibition Center of Fine Arts of the Ministry of Culture of Turkmenistan in honor of International Women’s Day on March 8. This year, the exhibition presents paintings, sculptures, jewelry pieces, and decorative and applied artworks that occupy both floors of the exhibition center. A distinctive feature of the exhibition is that it includes two authors who are 90 years old: Tamara Kiseleva, a professional artist, and Yustinya Kurilo, an amateur artist.
Tamara Kiseleva actively exhibits her works, among which the painting “White City of Ashgabat” is especially memorable. For Yustinya Kurilo, this exhibition is a debut. Reflecting the theme of the first spring holiday, the contemporaries presented paintings titled “Bahar,” “Narcissi,” “Apricot Blossoms,” and “Pomegranates.” This fact demonstrates that age is no obstacle to the desire to create.
Aina Adinova presented an interesting series titled “Milana.” In nine paintings, she tells the story of her daughter growing up. The narrative turned out to be lyrical and very warm. In her painting “Lovers,” Tachjemal Gylychdurdyyeva depicted a young man and woman who are fond of each other in the style of Cubism. Notably, Tachjemal incorporated certain elements of a Turkmen carpet into her work, adding creativity to the painting.
However, perhaps the most meaningful work in terms of its message is the painting “Land of Friendship and Brotherhood” by Gulshen Rejepova. Gulshen portrayed happy women—representatives of all Central Asian countries—holding large bouquets of flowers. This remarkable painting reflects the theme of the International Women’s Day celebration and conveys a peaceful message, reminding viewers that happiness cannot exist without peace.
Visitors were deeply impressed by the painting “Mozart” by Hatyja Amansakhedova. Hatyja created it in a restrained and elegant style. A young woman is absorbed in reading a book about Mozart, and through the window birds are perched on power lines in the sky like notes on a musical staff—suggesting that the girl hears the magical melody of the genius composer.
The painting “Crane Family” by Dina Evdokimova was perceived by viewers as an illustration to a fascinating fairy tale. The beautiful birds—a male and a female—coo together in a nest above their eggs, from which their offspring will soon hatch. Perhaps these are the happiest moments in their bird lives. Maya Jumayeva depicted berries so appetizingly in her painting “Bunch of Grapes” that one almost wants to taste them. She created her work in the style of photorealism, with noticeably enlarged objects.
As always, Dilber Umarova delighted visitors with her ceramics, presenting the composition “Daughters-in-law,” featuring charming terracotta figurines.
The Union of Artists of Turkmenistan, the Magtymguly Youth Organization of Turkmenistan, and the National Center of Trade Unions of Turkmenistan awarded the authors of the most admired works with valuable gifts.
