Scheduled to run through June 16, the exhibition comes as an opportunity for the Qatari public to experience the beauty of Uzbekistan’s timeless and diverse culture. A collaborative effort between Katara Cultural Village and Fund Forum, the show presents four distinct sections – medieval manuscripts, traditional culture rarities, applied art, and contemporary painting – that reflect Uzbekistan’s cultural and historical heritage and will enable visitors to learn about little-known facets of Islamic art.

The centerpiece of the art show is ‘Samples from the Eastern Art of Calligraphy and Miniature’, an album published by Fund Forum in 2009. The fundamental work is the first experience of cataloguing rare samples of oriental calligraphy and miniature art. The publication includes materials from the private collection of Abdulgofur Razzoq Bukhari, the author of the book, a calligrapher and a teacher at Mir Arab Madrasa. It consists of 9 chapters that highlight various calligraphy and miniature art schools, oriental poetry, works by Uzbek naqqosh artists, as well as miniature art and inscriptions featured on Uzbekistan’s architectural landmarks and art objects. Of special interest are the samples of artistic Quran design. The diversity of ornamental techniques and calligraphic styles are united by an inner sense of beauty and lofty spirituality.

The first section of the Uzbek exhibition highlights ancient miniature works as well as creations by contemporary Uzbek miniature artists. This section offers over 30 manuscripts.

The rarities section offers rare historical costumes, including men’s and women’s robes from various historical periods in several Uzbek regions. On loan from various collections of the State Museum of Art of Uzbekistan, the Savitsky Art Museum in Nukus, Bukhara Architecture and Arts Museum Reserve, the Fund Forum collection and private collections, all the exhibits have been united in a single exhibition concept.

The traditional culture section presents around 80 original handmade pieces that reflect the country’s unique applied art. This includes wood carving, stamping, embroidery, golden embroidery, lacquer painting and ceramics. What makes this exhibition special is that the contemporary creations by masters and crafts dynasties reflect a distinctive Uzbek tradition of inter-generation succession as well as preservation, revival and development of the heritage.

The fourth section displays over 30 paintings by contemporary, classical and young artists. This part of the exhibition will thus enable visitors to view pieces created in various styles and genres of Uzbek fine art. The works on display are by artists such as Chingiz Akhmarov, Usto Mumin, Rakhim Akhmedov, Ruzi Choriev, Akmal Nur, Dilorom Mamedova and Jamol Usmonov among others.

The invitees to the opening ceremony of the art show included government officials, members of the diplomatic community, culture and art professionals, scholars, representatives of public organizations and journalists, who also enjoyed Uzbek music and dance performances and were treated to Uzbek culinary delights.