There is a tradition of organizing exhibitions around International Women's Day on March 8 at the Exhibition Center of the Ministry of Culture of Turkmenistan, where only women showcase their works.
This year, 171 female artists took part in this opportunity. They are students and teachers from the State Academy of Arts of Turkmenistan and the Turkmen State Art School, as well as independent artists.
285 works, including paintings, graphics, tapestries, sculptures, ceramics, and jewelry, decorated both floors of the Exhibition Center. These works depict flowers, spring, motherhood, and Turkmen beauties. The most common subject in the works is the pomegranate, which symbolizes fertility in the Turkmen culture.
Nurana Kulladova presented a lively painting titled "Children's Bazaar at Home." Watching the children from the side brings great joy.
Gowher Hydyrova showcased an original triptych titled "Protection." In the central part of the triptych, she placed amulets for all occasions, and on the sides, bunches of garlic and red pepper. The most interesting aspect of the work is the barely noticeable contours of male and female silhouettes, which seem to be under the protection of everything depicted in the triptych.
Aygozel Chopanova's painting captivates with the image of a sad beauty's face, half-hidden under a don. The beauty holds a ripe pomegranate in her hand, and the painting is titled "Secret Ritual."
An interesting exposition was formed by five paintings with sketches from the lives of Turkmen women across several generations. Against the backdrop of the colorful works by the artists, Natalia Kalugina's landscape in gray tones stands out. However, once you read the title of the painting, "Thirty Minutes Before Dawn," everything falls into place. In thirty minutes, the sun will rise in this landscape, and new life will begin in all its colors.
Dilber Umarova's terracotta ceramics are a decoration for any exhibition. This time, the artist presented over 20 charming rural characters—musicians, lovers, children who adore pets, wise elders, and mischievous grandchildren. Dilber has an inexhaustible imagination, and over her creative life, she has created hundreds of charming figurines, none of which are alike.
"When viewers look at my works, they smile," the artist comments. "It gives me pleasure to delight people."
Gulshat Shokhratgeldiyeva has established herself as a talented sculptor with her works "First Step" and "Mother." Her sculptures are bright and full of sincerity. The bust of a woman with a strict but fair character is perceived by viewers as the face of a well-known person. In the sculpture "First Step," the exciting moment in a child's life is captured as they take their first independent step into the vast and interesting surrounding world.
During the solemn opening of the exhibition, the authors of the most successful works were awarded Honorary Certificates and valuable gifts on behalf of the Union of Artists of Turkmenistan.
