A solo exhibition of works by People’s Artist of Turkmenistan Gurbangeldi Gurbanov, dedicated to his 75th anniversary, has been opened at the Exhibition Center of Fine Arts of the Ministry of Culture of the country.
An interesting fact: not long ago, art lovers admired the unique works of graphic artist Oraz Agabaev, and soon after, an exhibition by another outstanding graphic artist—Gurbangeldi Gurbanov—was launched. Visitors to his exhibition were greeted by graphic works that differ from the traditional understanding of graphic art. Most of them feature graphic techniques enriched with touches of color.
Gurbangeldy Gurbanov and Oraz Agabaev can rightfully be called unconventional artists. Both studied at the painting department of the Turkmen State Art School, and after graduating, both became passionate about graphic art. Typically, artists of other specializations eventually turn to painting—but in this case, it is quite the opposite.
It should be noted that Gurbangeldi Gurbanov has not completely abandoned painting. Many of his graphic works evolve into painterly compositions during the creative process. When asked about his style, the artist replies: “When I work, I do not think about style—I create as I feel. That is why my style is individual.” Here, one can also note another similarity between him and Agabaev: both artists take national themes as a foundation and interpret them in a modern style.
Judging by how often characters from the works of Chingiz Aitmatov appear in Gurbangeldi Gurbanov’s art, it can be said with confidence that Aitmatov is his favorite writer, with whom he shares a common worldview. Among these are Jamilya and characters from the novel “The Day Lasts More Than a Hundred Years.” If he wished, Gurbangeldi Gurbanov could have become an excellent book illustrator, but instead, he illustrates life itself—often viewing it through the eyes of a storyteller. This is how such works as “Toi,” “Camels,” “Caravan,” “The Whole Family on a Donkey,” “New Moon,” a series dedicated to the seasons, “Twins,” “Leyli’s Autumn,” “Farewell,” and many others came into being. Each of his works deserves the viewer’s close attention.
Gurbangeldi Gurbanov is an artist from Mary. It is worth noting that this region has produced many gifted masters of the brush. “God has blessed our land with the birth of talented artists. And my most cherished wish is that talented artists will never cease to emerge from our land,” Gurbangeldi Gurbanov shared.
Visitors to the exhibition were captivated by the concise graphic style with delicate colored lines and the joyful palette of his painterly works illuminated by sunlight reflections. The exhibited works inspire pride in the successfully developing fine arts of our country.
