Art, creativity, and masterpiece—these terms encapsulate a profound significance: years of dedicated labor, the experience garnered from such endeavor, and, of course, the artwork itself, which captivates the viewer with its allure.

Here, I would like to cite several quotes by the Spanish artist Pablo Picasso, one of the world's most distinguished artists, who created numerous impressive works and became the founder of the Cubism movement. Admittedly, it was challenging, but I endeavored to select his most remarkable aphorisms:

-It took me a lifetime, learning to paint like a child.

-Everything you can imagine is real.

-I have put everything I love into my paintings. Now I need to arrange them.

-Give me a museum, and I will fill it.

-To me there is no past or future in art. If a work of art cannot live always in the present, then it must not be considered at all.

On November 30th, the Gallery of Arts of the Union of Artists of Turkmenistan inaugurated an exhibition of contemporary works by renowned artists of the country entitled “Modern”. The exhibition, uniting art enthusiasts, has become a platform for the exchange of ideas among those interested in this movement.

Today's exhibition features works by renowned artists such as Maral Atayeva, Charymyrat Yazmyradov, Sapa Purliyev, Zakirjan Babayev, Gahryman Gochmyradov, Ovgan Ovganov, Bayram Bazarov, Amanmyrat Modiyev, and Rustam Abdullayev, all created within the modernist movement.

To gain a deeper understanding of the aforementioned artists and their works, I conducted interviews with them.

The head of the Union of Artists of Turkmenistan, Charymyrat Yazmyradov, during our conversation, provided a detailed explanation of his work «Colorit»:

«Based on Gurbannazar Ezizov's poem "Stone Maiden", a sculptor creates a sculpture of a woman and gives her his heart so that she may come to life. In my artwork, I sought to enhance this concept by incorporating the music of Nury Halmammedov, demonstrating a continuous flow of inspiration. Those to whom the Almighty grants talent and inspiration will become masters like Gurbannazar Ezizov or Nury Halmammedov. This is what eternal love is».

Additionally, the artist presented works such as "Queen Tomiris", "Traces of History", "Colorit", "Melody of Eternity", and "Melody of the Sea Princess".

Ovgan Ovganov - explores themes of the past, nationality, and Turkmen women

«The exhibition features my following works: “Shamanic Fire”, “Bride with Jewelry”, and “Gelin eje”. In “Shamanic Fire”, I depicted the movements of shamans around a fire and the objects they used during the era of fire worship. As we know, our ancestors also practiced Zoroastrianism. This is evidenced by historical findings and certain traditions and customs that have become part of our national identity».

«Furthermore, in my work “Bride with Jewelry”, I depicted the image of a Turkmen bride through the use of women's adornments. In the work “Gelin eje”, I conveyed the image of a noble and courageous Turkmen woman».

Gahryman Gochmyradov - depictions revealing the philosophy of Fragi

«In my works, I endeavored to portray the philosophy embodied in the poems of the unquenchable literary genius, Magtymguly Fragi. Fragi's philosophy is profoundly meaningful and fluid. Considering this, I expressed his concepts in my pieces “Dedicated to the Poems of the Poet Magtymguly”, and “To Magtymguly Fragi's Poem “What are You?” Additionally, it is worth mentioning the work “Arrows”, which exalts the courageous Turkmen archers. The events that transpired on the Aral Sea, as depicted in the epic of Gorogly, I represented through the image of a horse from the lines “Shoot the horse, free the Father”. In the work “Path to Happiness”, utilizing a variety of colors, I portrayed newlyweds journeying towards their happiness».

Sapa Purliyev - the image of Akhal-Teke horses in an impressive depiction

«Akhal-Teke horses are our national treasure. In my works, I depicted the image of our magnificent horses. I dedicated two pieces titled “Akhal-Teke” to these horses. The exhibition also features other works such as «Kilim», «Keteni», «Movement».

The exhibition also demonstrates the works of artist Aman Modiyev, created in this genre. The artist's unique style has also captivated visitors.

We remind everyone who wants to immerse themselves in the world of charming colors that the exhibition will continue for a month!

Seyli ARYSHOV