The motto of 2026, “Independent neutral Turkmenistan – the homeland of purposeful winged horses,” has inspired Turkmen artists, and in this connection a gala exhibition has been opened at the Exhibition Center of Fine Arts of the Ministry of Culture of Turkmenistan. More than 50 artists took part in it—painters, graphic artists, sculptors, and masters of decorative and applied arts.
Undoubtedly, unrivaled in this theme is Ovgan Ovganov’s painting “Heavenly Steeds,” which depicts five snow-white Ahal-Teke horses racing toward the viewers. The artist often presents this work at exhibitions, and each time the group of five horses amazes visitors with their beauty. It seems as if they are about to spread their wings and soar above the earth.
At the center of the exhibition is Rustam Kurbanov’s painting “The Song of Peace.” The artist was impressed by a performance of Honored Horse Breeder of Turkmenistan Serdar Pygyyev with his horse in the circus arena, and he recreated in paint one of the most captivating moments of that act.
An interesting work was presented by Gulnaz Rozykulova, “Portrait of Nury Halmamedov.” The artist depicted the composer surrounded by film characters for whom Nury Halmamedov created his musical works, as well as by numerous horses, without which life in those times was unimaginable.
Annajahan Garjayeva took an original approach to revealing the theme of heavenly horses. The author portrayed, in the distance, a modern office building of the State Association “Türkmen atlary,” viewed through snow-covered conifer branches. The artist titled her work “White City of Ashgabat,” thereby conveying a careful attitude toward Ahal-Teke horses, the beauty of the Turkmen capital, and the rare snowy weather for our region.
The remarkable artist Dowlet Akyev presented two graphic works under the common title “Battle.” In them, the author masterfully reproduced the dramatic moment of a clash between two warriors from opposing sides. The victorious outcome of the duel for one of the heroes is meant to raise the fighting spirit of the entire army. Swift and daring horses decided the outcome of the battle on an equal footing with their riders.
The fighting qualities of horses are conveyed in the sculpture “On the Hunt” by Gullyussa Kuliyev. A brave hunter is engaged in combat with two snow leopards. His faithful horse is not frightened by the predators and helps its master overcome the treacherous foes. The leopards attack the rider from two sides, meaning their forces are unequal—will the hunter be able to emerge victorious from this struggle… The outcome of the battle can only be guessed at by the viewers.
Bahar Pirgulyyeva presented the carpet “Miras” at the exhibition, depicting in red threads a horse that corresponds to the name of the Year of the Fiery Horse. The ancient architecture in the background where the handsome Miras grazes testifies to his ancient and noble origin.
The exhibition has aroused interest among Ashgabat residents and guests of the capital, thanks to the artists’ ability to approach the recreation of the image of the Ahal-Teke steed from different perspectives—as an indispensable companion of humankind.
