The Art Gallery of the Union of Artists of Turkmenistan has undergone a major exhibition renovation. Nearly 50 local artists presented their new works to the public, forming a collection of over 140 paintings and sculptures, as reported by the turkmenistan.gov.tm.
The exhibition opens with a series of small sculptures by Maksatmurat Khodjainov. Visitors’ attention was drawn to his sculpture “The Abduction of Europa,” based on a well-known ancient Greek myth. Unlike classical paintings of this subject, such as Valentin Serov’s famous canvas, Khodjainov offered an original interpretation. His powerful image of a bull echoes the traditions of the Turkmen bride kidnapping ritual.
The exhibition’s paintings feature a variety of genre scenes and profound portraits. Baidurdy Berdyev’s “Cockfight” stands out for its tense dynamics, where the fury of the duel contrasts with a subdued blue-gray and cherry-red palette, while three elders dispassionately observe the proceedings.
A distinctive triptych of three portraits of elderly women occupies a special place in the exhibition. Kamil Veliakhmedov’s “Auntie Jemal” and Polat Garyyev’s “Grandmother” and “Grandmother Keyjan” reveal the different personalities, life stories, and worldviews of these women, all of the same age.
The theme of the modern capital is reflected in Azat Muradov’s three-part painting, “Panorama of Ashgabat,” which shows the city at different times of day. The gallery also features works that convey the spirit of traditional life and nature, including “At the Bazaar” by Baydurdy Berdyev, “Caravan” by Modzhek Charyev, “Pumpkins” by Guvanch Khodzhaniyazov, and “Rural Morning” by Shohrat Berdyev.
The updated exhibition is open to all residents and visitors of the capital. Visitors can not only explore the work of contemporary Turkmen artists but also purchase their favorite paintings.
