The Museum of Fine Arts of Turkmenistan is currently running an exhibition of paintings and arts and crafts ahead of International Nowruz Day. Exhibits on display immerse visitors in a springtime atmosphere and uniquely distinctive Nowruz traditions.
The exhibition features paintings ‘Nowruz’ by Merdan Kakabaev and ‘Swings’ by Aleksey Galkin, imbued with vibrant emotions. Emerald green wheat sprouts are one of the essential elements of the holiday: sprouted grains are seen as the symbol of new life. Later, people learned to make a delicious ritual dish, semeni, from tender sprouts. It takes pride of place at the center of the festive table.
Nowruz is invariably marked by mass festivities, during which going for a ride on specially installed swings is one of the popular and favorite amusements. The ride is regarded as a spiritual cleansing ritual. Created in an original style, the painting by Aleksey Galkin has defining characteristics of Impressionism seen in small details. The mood-filled portrayal gives the illusion that the artist closely observes his characters’ emotions being part of the scene.
Merdan Kakabaev’s ‘Power of the Night’ fascinates by its philosophical and lyrical subject matter. The desert bathed in silver moonlight… Every subtle detail of the wonderfully poetic painting that depicts a fusion of reality and fantasy fills the viewer with admiration.
No less impressive is ‘The Dragonfly’ by Alexander Kinyakin. Not only does the painting captivates with its expressive composition, but also with the complex technique and textured brushstrokes accentuating what the work seeks to communicate.
“The Embroiderer” by Rakhman Umarov is also on view. The painting portrays a beautiful young woman sitting at the table and tenderly looking at a delicate tulip. The tablecloth is embellished with beautiful embroidered tulips… Like the skillful embroiderer, the spring season transforms nature and splashes mountain slopes with dainty ruby-colored flowers, - is it what the artist is trying to convey to the viewer?
The exhibition also presents a sculpture by famous sculptor Juma Jumadurdyev capturing women in a rhythmic dance. The four flexible figures with their heads gracefully thrown back are reminiscent of an open flower bursting with energy…
Two finely crafted tumars (protective charms for home) by designer Maria Filipchenko do not go unnoticed. They are decorated with eye-catching red and blue rhinestones and hand-embroidered with golden thread. The original idea of the designer, who experimented with techniques and materials, while remaining true to the traditional authentic form, deserves special praise.
Tamara GLAZUNOVA
Photo: Yuri SHKURIN
