#durdybayramov

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Looking at the beautiful, crystal clear water in the Bruce Peninsula of Ontario, it is easy to understand why Bayramov was inclined to paint. Doesn’t this photo capture the feeling of summer?

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Almost lost in the folds of detailed, woven fabric, the woman in this painting stares out into the distance with concerned consideration in her eyes. Bayramov wanted to show the beauty of traditional clothing and practices. The woman’s attire includes a long scarf covering her hair and neck. A Turkmen practice known as yashmak involves covering the mouth with one end of the scarf. At present, out of respect for their elders, married women in Turkmen villages are still expected to cover their mouths in front of their husband’s parents and older brother, and other elderly men they encounter.

Woman in Kurta | 1991

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A sketch for a later work, this painting features a young mother carrying a toddler through a vast and tangled garden. Bayramov used to call this painting a “Turkmen Madonna”, as the mess of shrubs and flowers resemble the garden of Eden. Pomegranates and apricots adorn her steps, while her baby's gaze is focussed on the viewer. The mother is wearing a red dress symbolizing youth, fertility and a bright future. It is presumed that Bayramov painted the next iteration of this work from the front, wherein the young woman's face could be seen.

Happiness | 1987

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#Funfact Did you know that there are four traditional, Turkmen instruments? Dutar, Gyjak, Gargy Tuyduk and Gopuz. In the portrait below, you will see the depiction of a renowned Turkmen musician. Annageldy Julgaev with a gyjak. It is a 3-4 stringed instrument, played with a bow whose string is made of hair from a horse's tail. The instrument is stood upright, resting on a little peg at its base, and produces a sound. The gyjak, which is also usually made from a mixture of mulberry and apricot woods, is typically used to accompany the traditional, Turkmen dutar.

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Have you ever been to #Turkmenbashy (formerly known as #Krasnovodsk?) Durdy Bayramov loved going to Ufra and painting its serene nature en plein air. This work below is from his famous "Ufra" series currently housed at the Bayramov Museum.

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#throwbackthursday: Bayramov, wearing his favourite scarf, speaks during a meeting for the Artists' Union of Turkmenistan, circa 2008. Photo from Durdy Bayramov's archive.

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In these times of uncertainty we often forget about the goodness that still exists in the world. Today is the first day of April! It is spring time! Mother Nature is waking up and gifting us with its unparalleled beauty. Let us be grateful for it! April Poppies, 2006 Oil on cardboard, 70.3 x 89.9 cm collection @bayramovartfndn © Durdy Bayramov Estate