Outlines and Variations: Uzbekistan through photo lens

17^th November 2016, Andakulova Gallery in Dubai hosted the official opening ceremony of the exhibition dedicated to the 25^th anniversary of Independence of the Republic of Uzbekistan. This new artistic group photo exhibition titled “Outlines and Variations: Uzbekistan through photo lens”, organized under the patronage of the Consulate General of the Republic of Uzbekistan in Dubai, UAE. The photo exhibition is open to the public and takes place over two weeks – November 17^th to December 5^th, 2016.  The heads of accredited diplomatic corps in Dubai, UAE, relevant government agencies, as well as prominent figures in UAE culture, active members of the cultural establishments and the media came to the official opening ceremony of the exhibition.  The exhibition showcased the artistic works, which contribute to the expansion of rich and varied cultural and art heritage of the Republic of Uzbekistan, tending for further development, taking into account national traditions and differentiating features of the country to the world. These artworks are the masterpieces of three photographers from Uzbekistan – Saidazim Fazilov, Ernest Kurtveliev and Jahongir Karimov.

The exhibition includes three THEMES– Moment of Beauty, Treasures of Nature and Delight of Everyday Life.

The experts, who took part at the opening ceremony of the event, noted that at the current exhibition in Dubai of all the three photographers from Uzbekistan – Saidazim Fazilov, Ernest Kurtveliev and Jahongir Karimov, as well as photographic reproductions of archival fund of photos and video of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Consulate General of the Republic of Uzbekistan in Dubai, once again demonstrated the originality of creative thinking of the exhibitors.

Sheikha Hend Al Qassimi, member of the ruling family of the emirate of Sharjah, UAE, editor-in-chief of the magazine Velvet (UAE), a well-known businesswoman who chairs several companies, a connoisseur of fine art and photos, a major philanthropist:

“I really love to travel. My current interest is to visit Central Asia. I have heard a lot about Uzbekistan and its rich culture.

My dream is to visit Bukhara and Samarkand and enjoy the amazing architecture, nature and diversity of the landscape and meet the people, and of course try the world-famous Uzbek plov”.

Khalil Abdulwahid, Head of the visual arts of Dubai Culture: “This exhibition is unique for several reasons.

So, first of all it is the talent and skill of the photographer the ability to reveal the moment that sends the viewer of the work and a lot of positive emotional feelings.

Through these photographs, I was able to see the rich architecture, a diverse and rich life of the Uzbek people, amazing and beautiful nature of Uzbekistan, which is deservedly recognized as the pearl of not only Central Asia, but also around the world.

I was lucky enough to visit this wonderful region a few years ago. Was very impressed by the beauty of Uzbekistan, I enjoyed the hospitality of the Uzbek people. These and many other qualities and factors due to which you want again and again to visit this amazing country with the world famous history, rich culture, diversity of nature and as well the current development of the country.”

Muhammad Yusuf, the editor-in-chief of Gulf Today newspaper (UAE), one of the best-selling newspapers in UAE: “Glad to see the photo exhibition "Outlines and Variations: Uzbekistan through photo lens", dedicated to the 25th anniversary of Uzbekistan's Independence Day in Andakulova Gallery.

Pleasantly surprised by the depth, diversity and richness of culture of Uzbekistan. The exhibition photographers have tried to uncover the daily life of people in Uzbekistan, stunning scenery, the people and the rich heritage of ancient culture and architecture of Uzbekistan.

I guess every visitor is overwhelmed with variety of feelings, of course, positive, and this exhibition, in my opinion, it will help to understand better and bring closer the cultures of Middle East and Central Asia, especially Uzbekistan, which already have many similarities.

I would to take this opportunity to congratulate Andakulova Gallery and the Consulate General of Uzbekistan in Dubai with another successful organization of the exhibition. I am confident that the gallery, with the assistance of the Consulate General of Uzbekistan in Dubai will bring to the UAE residents about the rich, diverse and historical culture, people, traditions and modern development of Uzbekistan.”

Andakulova Gallery is located in the world famous district of the International Financial Centre (DIFC) in Dubai and it is a creation of an art dealer, Natalya Andakulova who was born and raised in Uzbekistan.  

The main mission of the gallery is to promote the contemporary art and artists from Central Asia with a special focus on Uzbekistan.

According to experts, this gallery (opened in 2012) has taken its rightful place in the dynamic and ever-evolving art scene of United Arab Emirates, where Dubai is considered to be "creative" and "cultural" capital of the UAE. Dubai is the central meeting place for international cultural diaspora, which attracts businessmen and the important figures of contemporary art around the world.

Today, Andakulova Gallery is, perhaps, the only professional gallery outside the Republic of Uzbekistan, representing a roster of contemporary artists of Uzbekistan.

Apart from its own exhibition projects, Andakulova Gallery, organizes museum exhibitions, actively supports the artists especially from the Uzbekistan.

The main activity of the gallery is the creation of a platform for dialogue between artists from different countries and generations and promotion of contemporary art from Central Asia, with a focus on the rich cultural heritage of Uzbekistan.

Sincere interest in promotion of artists, bold approach to curating of exhibitions and in-depth knowledge of the international art market allow this gallery to create groundbreaking project by using a variety of different contemporary media as such medium installation, etc.

Andakulova Gallery takes part in international exhibitions and biennales: in art fairs in London, Dubai, and in Tashkent (Uzbekistan).

The gallery also promotes contemporary art by organizing the lectures and panel discussion with art market professionals.