Bakhtiyor Umarov

Overview

'Uzbekistan is an amazing country; it is ancient and beautiful like a tulip. The culture of Uzbekistan is as diverse as the patterns of a bright carpet. Our history has allowed people here to learn to appreciate the simple things: a water source, the shade of a tree where you can hide.' - Bakhtiyor Umarov

 

The art of Bakhtiyor Umarov brings the beauty and richness of Uzbekestan and its culture vividly to life with great technical accomplishment and infectious brio. It is an art of abundant colour and pattern, of fabrics and flowers, physiognomies and fruits. It is suffused with the folk memories of Central Asia, and the traditional symbols of Uzbek culture. (Quince trees - the emblems of marriage, family and fertility, abound.) It is populated by splendid old men - and women (embodiments of enduring wisdom and patience). And it is enlivened, always, by an infectious and generous humour, a delight in a common humanity.

 

Bakhityor Umarov studied at the prestigious Ostrovsky Theatre and Art Institute in Tashkent (1986-91). Amongst other artistic projects he produced the costume designs for the award-winning Uzbek film Kosh - Bakosh, winner of the Silver Lion at the Venice Film Festival (1993).

 

Although he continues to be based in Tashkent, the Uzbek capital, Bakhtiyor Umarov exhibits internationally. He has had several shows at the Central House of Artists, Moscow. The first of his five solo exhibitions at the Rebecca Hossack Art Gallery in London was held in 2002. In 2020 he was included in a major survey show of Russian and Uzbek painting at the Cyprus Museum of Modern Art. His work is held by the National Bank of Uzbekistan, and the Deutsche Bank's International Foundation, as well as in significant private collections in Europe, Russia, North America, Australia and Asia. 

Works
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