Just as space and time are boundless, so too are the limits of art. Sincere exploration and tireless work open unknown paths and lead to new horizons. A vivid example of this philosophy can be found in the creative world of masters who, delving into the mysterious depths of art, give wings to the human soul and imprint patterns in people’s hearts.
In fact, we do not always realize that behind an image created by an artist or painter lies not merely a picture, but a work rich in meaning—a form of beauty transformed into art. These works, turning the grandeur of existence into eternity, become remarkable moments capable of immersing us in the silent world of the past.
When painting is mentioned, the harmony of colors immediately comes to mind. But is it possible to achieve this harmony not only with a palette of paints, but also through other materials? This question, which might not even occur to many, inspired Akhmet Hojayev—a painting teacher at the Children’s Art School in the Darganata etrap—to search for new ideas.
After graduating from the painting department of the Lebap Velayat Specialized School of Arts, Akhmet Hojayev began his career in 2010 at the Children’s Art School in the Darganata etrap. To refine his skills, he constantly learned from mentors and read extensively. His attention was drawn to how the beauty of the Turkmen nature and the Turkmen world is embodied in national heritage, created through the diligence and talent of our women. This beauty is crafted by skilled hands using colorful threads. Thus, the idea came to him: could images be created using threads?
After long experimentation, he tried hammering small nails into a thin wooden base and forming images by weaving colored threads. His efforts proved successful. In the year titled “The Fount of Wisdom Magtymguly Fragi,” he created his first work, depicting the great Turkmen poet and thinker. His labor was not in vain—the piece, made from black and white threads, received a Certificate of Honor at the velayat competition. This recognition inspired the artist to continue developing new works.
A. Hojayev then began creating images using colored threads—primarily green, red, and blue. A distinctive feature of his technique is that by combining these colors, additional shades can be achieved. Recently, at a velayat competition titled “The Turkmen Akhal-Teke Horse in Fine Art,” dedicated to the National Day of the Turkmen Horse, his thread-made image of a horse received high praise. The talented artist also participated in a large exhibition in Ashgabat, presenting his work, which attracted great interest from visitors.
In the future, Akhmet Hojayev plans to capture in colored threads the beauty of Turkmen nature, portraits of notable figures, and majestic buildings and structures of the country that adorn our Motherland, which is confidently moving forward under wise leadership of Arkadagly Hero Serdar, who is successfully continuing the endeavors of Hero Arkadag. As a teacher, he also strives to pass on this technique to children who are passionate about the art of painting.
“The high appreciation of Akhmet Hojayev’s creative work is a tribute to our national art. Innovation of teacher Akhmet, his constant search, and the images he creates from colored threads embody many elements of Turkmen cultural heritage. It is encouraging that his talented students, mastering the fine secrets of painting, win prizes at etrap, velayat, and international competitions, including online ones,” says Ovezmyrat Berdiyev, director of the Children’s Art School in the Darganata etrap.
The fact that this art form—originating in 17th-century England, where weavers used colored threads to decorate their homes, and later known as “String art”—is being developed for the first time in our country by the talented painter Akhmet Hojayev deserves strong support. We wish the dedicated teacher continued creative exploration and success.
