Style. Culture of the Native Land

So, on one of the golden October days, we were all admiring the composition of the Palace of Friendship of Nations and the monument of "Courage", unhurriedly inhaling the fresh and cool autumn air with full breast, and one could not help seeing the architecture of the Uzbek Madrasah Abulkasim, in the restoration of which masters from all regions of our Republic took part. Generosity and beauty of the color palette are characteristic to the Uzbek applied arts. It showed itself in all its beauty at the exposition halls of the madrasah. Like the gold of autumn, rustling of the fallen foliage, it came with us into the madrasah cells and sparkled in the color spectrum of cases, pencil-cases painted in soft golden-brown, smart cherry-red and violet colors. The works of the oriental national culture arose before our eyes: all kinds of handmade wooden wares (carved doors, lattice folding screens and chests), colored pictures depicting the nature of Uzbekistan, picturesque compositions on rice and silk paper. Most of these works win hearts with the beauty and originality of their themes.

Being in the madrasah, we did not only admire the decorative art but also watched the masters at work. Our gaze was locked on the case in the miniature-painter's hands. Covered in black varnish, which presents no interest, it was not attractive at all. Stroke after stroke the master painted a jewelry-thin pattern on its surface. We witnessed the transformation of an ordinary black varnished case into a work of art. Watching the miniature-painter Kamoliddin Mirzaev at work, it occurred that we have a number of questions which he willingly answered.

- Will you please tell us about the technology of making these wonderful cases?
- First a case of necessary shape is weld from papier-mache (papier-mache - is a plastic mass made of paste-board, paper and other fiber materials with an addition of some gum substances). Then the surface of the case is painted in red color from the inside and black - from outside. Then the ware is varnished and in this state given to miniature-painters for ornamenting.

- And where from do you take themes for your works?
- First of all, these are miniatures from ancient oriental manuscripts. Besides we apply the scenes of hunting as they embody bravery and courage of our people. Many artists use a calligraphic style in painting ayats from the surahs of the Holy Quran. The use of ornamental drawing and geometrical compositions, the theme of The Great Silk Route and nature of our native Uzbekistan is a characteristic of decorative-applied art.

- Do you organize exhibitions in other countries?
- Yes, the works of our masters were presented in USA, Belgium, Japan, France, Malaysia, India, Iran and Russia. As to me, I have organized a show of my works in Germany. The main aim of our exhibitions is to acquaint the citizens of other countries with the national culture of our land.

Unfortunately, we often forget about the beauty surrounding us, instead taking a great interest in TV talk-shows, discotheques, computer games, being absorbed in the daily round of vanity.