Event. Colours of Asia in Ekaterinburg

The event lasted until 31^st January and took place in an old mansion, which was reconstructed into a gallery of modern art. A great number of visitors indicates the splash of interest of the Russians in Central Asia. In his greeting speech the Ambassador of Uzbekistan, Bahtiyor Anvarovich expressed hope that in the future more regular and wide-ranging events and holidays will be held.

An act unfolded in front of the guests, which may be called interosculation of cultures, triumph of refined artistic taste, sound of an oriental holiday. The music by Batir Sharipov from Samarkand resounded in the halls. Rustam Sharipov - the director of a ceramic workshop from Rishtan - demonstrated his finished articles and ornamented jugs and lyagans (large Uzbek dishes) before the very eyes of the amazed audience. The craftsmen from Margilan made a brilliant display too (both literally and figuratively). Razmetdin Dadojanov demonstrated the process of weaving the famous Margilan silk right in the hall on a loom.

Eastern spirit was supplemented with Max Penson's priceless photographs. His daughter, Dina Penson, was also a member of the delegation and presented 110 works of her famous father and 40 works made by her in different years. The culmination of the opening ceremony was a fashion-show. "Alfiya" art-gallery and its leading modeller, Natalya Nikitina, presented 24 models, sewed in the motives of Oriental national costumes. The fashionable women of Ekaterinburg were delighted - the boldest decisions laid foundation of the conception of the collection. The success of cultural days was ensured by art specialists - Irina Bogoslavskaya, Elena Ladik, Irina Khojaeva.

This exhibition attracted the attention of Echo of Moscow radio station, TVC television channel, Ekaterinburg television, and the central Russian press. Four press conferences were held including those for the leading Russian photographers. All the press conferences were extended and exceeded the time limit because the communication always turned from formal to friendly.

The budget of cultural days exceeded US$70 000. This is how much the organizer of the project, Oleg Chagin could gather without difficulty. The project was supported by: the Sverdlov region government, TMK pipe metallurgical company, SINARA group, Ekaterinburg gallery of modern art, "Uralskiy dvor" (Ural court) Hotel, "Ural airways" airline, LG representative office, charitable fund SINARA, "Echo of Moscow" radio station, "4 kanal" TV company.

The organizers did a great job! These days exemplified the national diplomacy. And, of course, the support of such projects on the governmental level is required in order for the friendly bonds to become stronger. The exposition came to an end on the 31^st of January and moved to Moscow under the patronage of the Embassy of Uzbekistan in Russia. In the March issue we will talk about the photographs and creative work of Max and Dina Pensons as well as the most demanded photographer of Russia - Oleg Chagin.