An exhibition of works by Turkmen artists dedicated to Alabay day

The Exhibition centre of fine arts of the ministry of culture of Turkmenistan is hosting an exhibition of paintings dedicated to the national holiday, Alabay day. To celebrate this holiday, artists annually display their works featuring the lovable and very warm-hearted four-legged friend, the Alabay. One can only wonder where the artists draw their inspiration to once again present to viewers these wonderful paintings about the friendship between man and the Alabay.

Perhaps one of the best paintings in the exhibition is «Alabay», a photorealistic work by Pavel Anahovskiy, a sixth-year student at the State art Academy. The Alabay gazes out from the painting, as if alive, and his wise, penetrating gaze literally melts the viewer's heart. «Waiting» of Rejepberdi Muhammedov is particularly interesting in both its content and execution. Executed in a realistic style, it resembles a still from a film set on a train platform. The Alabay, seeing off his owners—a woman and her daughter—will wait there for their return. It turns out this painting was based on the recollections of artist. Rejepberdi Muhammedov studied in Tashkent, and every time his mother and younger sister traveled from Gyzylarbat to Tashkent to visit their son, his faithful Alabay dog would await their return at the place where they parted ways.

In his painting «Blessed Bread», Polat Garryyev depicted an Alabay sitting in the yard next to his mistress, who was baking fragrant, delicious bread in a tamdyr. The little Alabay, though small, understands that now is not the time to get in his way of mistress.

Azhdar, son of Polat Garryyev and avant-garde artist Yalkap Garryyev, presented the Alabay differently in his painting «Azhdar». The word «Azhdar» means strong, powerful. In bright, contrasting colours, the powerful Azhdar is depicted, like a dragon in mid-leap. «Mischievous» work of Polat Garryyev  attracted particular interest from viewers. Polat depicted a camel returning from a long journey and sprawled out in the yard from fatigue. But a small Alabay dog, missing his friend, invites him to play. This painting could be called «Conflicting Desires».

And, of course, one cannot fail to mention «Reflection of the Future» work of Aygul Gurbanmyradova. Although painted in a realistic style, this painting is surreal in its meaning. The little Alabay dog, looking into a pond, sees his reflection, but it imagines it as a reflection of the Alabay dog of the future. Perhaps this little one really wanted to grow up quickly.

The exhibition of paintings dedicated to the Alabay dog once again brought emotional pleasure to visitors and artists, most of whom are teachers at the State academy of arts of Turkmenistan.