An exhibition-competition of works by Turkmen artists and writers opened at the Exhibition Center of Fine Arts of the Ministry of Culture in honor of Magtymguly Poetry Day and Turkmenistan Culture Day. The initiators of the exhibition, together with the Ministry of Culture, were the National Trade Union Center and the editorial office of the newspaper "Edebiyat ve Sungat."
The exhibition features 130 competition works in various types of fine arts – painting, sculpture, ceramics, and jewelry art. Thematically, most works are devoted to figures of culture and art. Among them stand out the gilded sculpture "Magtymguly at the moment of creativity" (by Gullyussa Kuliyeva), the bronze bust of Sakhi Jepbarov (sculptor Maksat Bazarov), and the bust of Gurbanazar Ezizov (sculptor Guljakhan Shokhratgeldiyeva).
Visitors carefully examined these, sharing approving assessments among themselves. As always, the terracotta figurines by ceramist Dilber Umarova in the group exhibition "Ceramics" were captivating with their charm. The portrait of the People's Artist of Turkmenistan Ovez Gelenov in the role of Othello (artist Anna Annaev) held viewers with its extraordinary expression.
The winners of the competition were artist Begench Berkeliev, sculptor Charymyrat Amanov, and jeweler Aijemal Charyeva, who took first places. The Grand Prix was awarded to the People's Artist of Turkmenistan Annadurdy Almammedov for the triptych "Moon Mountains."
An honorary diploma and valuable gift were awarded to Mahym Atakova, a fifth-year student of the State Academy of Arts.
"For me, 2025 is a lucky year," shares M. Atakova. "At the international exhibition in Moscow, where artists from 65 countries participated, my painting 'Sweet Dream' was among the best of 1,000 submitted works."
Photo correspondent Yusup Turshikov captured Mahym Atakova against the background of the painting "Sweet Dream." Mahym graduated from the Specialized Art School under the State Academy of Arts in the class of easel painting and is studying book graphics at the academy. In working on illustrating a literary work, Mahym explains, one should read the book imagining what is read as a film, during which especially impressive moments should be fixed in drawings. At the same time, one must be a bit of a historian, ethnographer, and have good taste.
Another memorable hero of the Exhibition Center that day was ceramist Bakhtyyar Hojaniyazov. Television workers interviewed him, friends, fans, and colleagues congratulated him. This year, Bakhtyyar was awarded an Honorary Diploma from the Russian Academy of Arts for a mosaic portrait of A.S. Pushkin. Bakhtyyar Hojaniyazov is engaged in restoring ancient ceramics of Kunya-Urgench. Private ceramic schools operate under his guidance in Dashoguz and Kunya-Urgench. He created two House-Museums. He was awarded the title "Honored Worker of Culture of Turkmenistan" for his merits to the national culture of the Turkmen people. Bakhtyyar has many distinctions, and on this day, all awards found their place on the artist's chest.
The exhibition will be remembered for a long time for friendly meetings, congratulations, acquaintances, and photographs for memory. The exhibition continues its work.
