Please join the Harriman Institute and the Durdy Bayramov Art Foundation for a reception in celebration of the opening of our new exhibit, Through the Eyes of Durdy Bayramov: Turkmen Village Life, 1960–80s.
Artist Durdy Bayramov (1938-2014) grew up in an orphanage in Turkmenistan and overcame the significant challenges of his youth to become an acclaimed Eurasian artist. Through a prolific career as a painter that spanned more than 55 years, Bayramov was best known for his compelling portraits. His tender approach evokes the special character and qualities of each of his subjects, with whom he shared a deep rapport.
The photographs in this exhibition were selected from Durdy Bayramov’s personal archive. Although he took great pleasure in photography, Bayramov used it primarily as a tool in his artistic process and never expected that others would find them fascinating in their own right. The images provide a rare and intimate glimpse into the customs and material culture of Turkmen villagers during this period, and at the same time reflect the profound human spirit shared by all communities.
The photographs are sectioned into three categories: Portraits of Turkmen Villagers, Villagers at Work, and Villagers at Home and Play.
