Tashkent wall paintings
Words by Munis Nur
Monumental painting has long been part of Uzbek art. The art found in Afrosiyob, Varakhshi and Penjikent offers glimpses of ancient mural forms. From art history, we know that a paradigm shift occurred with the advent of Islam, as attitudes towards monumental paintings changed. The heyday of monumental and decorative arts, such as majolica, mosaic and epigraphy, falls within that period. The Soviet era saw a resurgence of monumental figurative art, and with it came murals, panels and mosaics that decorated Tashkent with a truly unique flair.
Decorative paintings and murals have always been linked with architecture. In recent years Tashkent has seen a construction boom that led to a new wave of flourishing mural art in the capital city. Monumental painting is now actively developing in several directions: painting on the facades of buildings, interior painting and street art. Each shows up in a different way, but all muralists are united by one goal: to make the city more beautiful.
Another important factor has been the personal support of mural art by the president of Uzbekistan. In a report on his visit to one of the city districts, he notes that murals have a positive effect on the neighbourhood mood and suggests introducing murals to other locations in the city
Mural by Brushers.uz for the European Mobility Week 2022
One of the latest murals to appear in Tashkent coincided with European Mobility Week. The mural was created by the young artist group Brushers.uz, which includes Anvar Khakimbekov, Danila Kudryavtsev, Andrey Zhuravlev and Nodir Azlarkhodjaev.
These artists had already made a name for themselves with monumental murals at the 48 Hours Festival and on projects for the Turin Polytechnic University and TBC branches around Uzbekistan.
The works of artist Hasan Maicheev have recently become very popular, as his works relate to social issues, often containing images of doctors, cosmonauts, athletes and carefree children (such as the mural Friendship of Nations). Despite the thematic orientation of his works, the artist does not focus his attention on social problems and does not escalate conflict situations.
Another artist whose works touch on social issues is Inkuzart. Much like famed international artist Banksy, Inkuzart never reveals his real name or identity, intriguing viewers even more. Inkuzart's art is provocative, straightforward and truthful. He shows society as it is, unvarnished.
Uzbek Olympic rhythmic gymnastics champion Oksana Chusovitina through the eyes of Inkuzart
Nadezhda Riksieva is popular amongst muralists. Her work can be seen on the facades of offices, restaurants, schools and factories, as well as in their interiors and even in private homes. Nadezhda does not hide the fact that most of her works are commercial orders. But she maintains her own clear-cut position as an artist, with exceptional taste and talent that make her works stand well in the urban space.
Monumental painting in Uzbekistan is once again in demand after a long pause. It is developing slowly but surely, with many of Tashkent’s modern murals reflecting globalisation and national spirit, and the problems of Uzbek society and universal human values.
