The Exhibition Center of Fine Arts of the Ministry of Culture hosted an exhibition of works by Turkmen artists dedicated to the upcoming celebration of the country’s Independence Day. The central space on the second floor of the exhibition center is occupied by paintings directly related to the theme of the forthcoming holiday — “Homeland of Brotherly Friendship” by Shokhle Bakkalova, “Happy Childhood” by Aigozel Annamyradova, and “Melody of Independence” by Gyzylgul Hudayberdiyeva. All of them convey to viewers a joyful mood and a sense of happiness.
Rejepmuhammet Berdiyev, the People’s Artist of Turkmenistan, presented an interesting collection. He showcased three paintings that cannot go unnoticed: “Before the Exam,” “Afternoon Snack,” and “Girls with Jugs.” Rejepmuhammet Berdiyev is a student of the People’s Artist of Turkmenistan Yarly Bayramov, and perhaps that is why his works also radiate humor and charm, much like those of his teacher.
Irina Dolgova surprised the exhibition visitors with a triptych of round-shaped paintings under the common title “Turkmen Traditions,” which included the works “Spinner,” “Grandmother’s Pilaf,” and “Potter.” Irina managed to depict her characters with an illusion of volume. This is a very interesting and innovative method that will surely develop further.
A surprise for the audience was the stand of Saparmamet Meredov. He presented graphic portraits of prominent art figures—Jemal Saparova, Babasary Annamyradov, Gylychmyrat Yarmamedov, Saragt Babayev, and Byashim Nurali. The interest lay in the fact that all portraits portrayed the celebrities in their youth, and today they are recognizable only by a few features.
As always, visitors were delighted by the inexhaustible imagination of ceramicist Dilber Umarova. Her display of terracotta figurines drawn from rural life scenes charms with the spontaneity and appeal of the characters. The compositions “Family,” “Three Girls,” “Tamdyrchy,” and “Jugs of Love” once again enjoyed great success at the exhibition.
Gulyalek Babakulova, designer of the Anev City House of Culture, presented a collection of dolls at the exhibition. All 28 dolls were dressed in national costumes. At the center of the display were purses shaped like envelopes—bukcha—a traditional item used by girls to hold threads, pins, and markers, which in modern terms is an organizer. Next to the bukcha were children’s dresses sewn from national fabrics and decorated with Turkmen embroidery.
Gulyalek plans to present a similar collection of male dolls at the exhibition dedicated to the anniversary of Turkmenistan’s Neutrality.
The exhibition featured 144 exhibits. In addition to paintings, the collection included ceramic, jewelry, and sculptural works, each deserving special attention from viewers.
