The State Academy of Arts of Turkmenistan (SAHT) hosted the defense of diploma works of 2023 graduates. The solemn presentation of diplomas to young painters coincided with the arrival of the famous American artist Aimee Erickson in Ashgabat.
As part of the US-Turkmenistan cultural exchange program in the field of fine arts, the foreign guest conducts lectures and master classes for students of a creative university. Today, Aimee Erickson, among the well-known figures of art and culture of Turkmenistan, took part in the expert commission evaluating the work of graduates.
The jury presented the projects of students of the departments of easel, monumental and theatrical-decorative painting. A graduate of the department of theater and scenery painting, Khoshgeldy Garajaev, presented sketches and a theatrical model for decorating the stage space for a play about one of the brightest folk singers-poets Garajaoglan.
Having received a positive assessment from representatives of the theater community - People's Artist of Turkmenistan Anna Melyaev, director of the Main Academic Drama Theater. S. Turkmenbashi the Great Gulyalek Akmyradova, a graduate, expressed his gratitude to the teachers of the State Art Theater for the opportunity to work at one of the theater venues in our country.
Further, the floor was given to the guest of the creative university Aimee Erickson:
– I am very happy to visit Turkmenistan. From the bottom of my heart I thank the Turkmen people for their hospitality. I was especially impressed by the work of the State Academy of Arts, the attention with which teachers treat their students. For several days of my stay in Ashgabat, I found new friends here and I hope that our friendship will continue in the future. There are no borders in art, so I am glad to share my knowledge with young, talented and promising artists of Turkmenistan.
Graduates continued to defend their diplomas, and Aimee Erickson went to one of the capital's parks, where a plein air was held for students of the Academy of Arts. The young painters have already placed their easels in different parts of the park area and have begun to create sketches with oil paints.
The fact is that Amy works in the technique of oil painting. She is known for her still life, figure portraits and landscapes. This year her first book "Plein Air Techniques for the Artist" was published, which she presented to teachers and students of our country.
Amy Erickson, a participant and winner of various international festivals, gave master classes in Canada, Italy, Mexico and Russia. The artist was in Turkmenistan for the first time and now she is getting acquainted with Turkmen culture and fine arts with great interest.
Ahead of the guest is a trip to Mary, where she will also exchange professional experience with representatives of the Mary art school. On the territory of ancient Merv, artists will paint the sunset of the passing day.
The result of the master classes and plein airs currently being held will be a large exhibition scheduled for June 21st. The gallery of the State Academy of Arts of Turkmenistan will exhibit the works of students made during master classes with Aimee Erickson. The winners of the project will have the opportunity to travel to the United States to exchange professional experience with foreign colleagues.
