The exhibition-competition that has opened in the gallery of the State Academy of Arts of Turkmenistan, dedicated to the National Holiday of the Turkmen Horse, never ceases to amaze with the inexhaustible imagination of Turkmen artists. Year after year, they present works on this theme, some of which are regarded as masterpieces.
One such work is tapestry number 1. The master or craftswoman has woven from threads the beautiful image of a horse, endowing it not only with beauty, but also with a certain spiritual elevation. The horse looks at the viewer calmly, with great dignity, its eyes fully conscious.
Painting number 177 evokes a feeling of tenderness at the sight of a foal pressing its head against its mother. At this exhibition, it is customary not to mention either the author’s name or the title of the work, but looking at the affectionate foal, one involuntarily wants to call this painting “My Best Mommy in the World!”
Another painting touched us to the core. It depicts a girl giving an alaja to a foal. The painting testifies that the friendship between a human child and a horse is sincere and boundless.
A painting with two white horses’ heads is particularly impressive. Their beautiful heads are adorned with equestrian jewelry inlaid with scarlet rubies. The rubies are not painted, but real, and this makes the painting even more attractive.
Many painters have captured on their canvases the triumph of the “Galkynyş” National Equestrian Games Group of the Akhal-Teke Horse Complex of the President of Turkmenistan at the 47th International Circus Festival in Monte Carlo. The famous trick of the riders—a three-tiered pyramid—has been immortalized by a sculptor in plaster.
The craftsmanship of Turkmen jewelers specializing in the creation of horse equipment is presented in a separate exposition. The finest jewelry work and impeccable taste are evident in all the decorations. Silver and gilding intricately frame the precious stones. Turkmen jewelers have also presented a magnificent collection of women’s jewelry, skillfully weaving stylized horse figures into the necklaces.
The carpets presented at the exhibition-competition deserve special mention. In the center of the gallery is a remarkable carpet, on which “heavenly horses” seem to have truly descended from the sky to earth and, with their presence, adorned our land.
The winners of the exhibition-competition will be announced on the day of the National Holiday of the Turkmen Horse.
