Recently, one of the most intriguing and spellbinding art displays came to a close. Bobur Ismailov’s ‘Narratives’ which featured minimalist style creations was on display at the Tashkent House of Photography. The exhibition was made possible by the Karimov Foundation, an organisation founded by Lola Karimova-Tillyaeva who is a strong supporter of the Uzbekistan art scene.
The Charity Work of Lola Karimova-Tillyaeva
Together with her husband, Timur Tillyaev, Lola Karimova-Tillyaeva has made a strong commitment to the arts and helping disadvantaged children in Uzbekistan. Ms Karimova – Tillyaeva has a doctorate degree in Psychology which she earned from Tashkent State University. She believes that stereotypes and ignorance between cultures can be bridged through sport, education, and cultural development. She has worked tirelessly to develop these aspects in Uzbekistan society and has founded three charitable organisations to this end.
Source: Timur Tillyaev – Overblog
They are:
- You Are Not Alone Foundation – Founded in 2002, the charity primarily helps abandoned or orphaned children. It provides much-needed care, medical care, psychological support, as well as education and skills. The ultimate aim of the charity is to prepare the children in its care for independent living as adults.
- The National Centre for the Social Adaptation of Children – Founded in 2004, the charity’s main aim is to provide specialist medical care to children with disabilities. It concentrates on several key aspects including diagnosis, orthopaedic and neurological treatment, speech therapy, and education. It is the only charity in Central Asia committed to delivering services of this type.
- The Karimov Foundation – Founded in 2016, the foundation runs a series of merit-based scholarship programmes in various fields of study and academic disciplines, as well as support grants to educational, scientific, and cultural organisations. Operating in Uzbekistan and abroad the aim of the foundation is to promote Uzbekistan’s historical, literary, and cultural heritage to a wider audience.
Source: YouTube
Lola Karimova-Tillyaeva is also the founder of The Harmonist. Inspired by the Chinese philosophy of Feng Shui, The Harmonist is a perfume brand that has developed 11 signature scents. These scents represent balance, the Yin and Yang, bringing harmony to oneself. The Harmonist sponsors philanthropic projects aimed at solving some of the most pressing issues faced today.
The Narratives exhibition is the latest in a line of artistic endeavours supported by Lola Karimova-Tillyaeva. The 2017 film release, The Man Who Unlocked the Universe, was made possible by Timur Tillyaev, Lola Karimova-Tillyaeva. It told the true life story of Ulugh Beg and his achievements both as a scientist and ruler. The film received widespread critical acclaim winning several awards, including the Kineo Prize for the Best Foreign Documentary at the 74th Venice International Film Festival, together with the Best Documentary Award at the Ischia Film Festival.
Lola Karimova-Tillyaeva has been friends with the Bobur Ismailov for over fifteen years and is an admirer of his work. Speaking on the recent exhibition she acknowledged his contribution to fine art and Uzbekistan’s culture.
The Narrative exhibition shows a departure from styles he has used in the past. This new minimalist approach which features minimal use of colour has been described by Ismailov as a freeing process.
The exhibition consists of 50 works by the artist in black and white. They have been described as philosophical musings as there are few details in each painting. What you are left with, however, is a striking vision that you could reimagine as an image or movie still. It is an enlightening process that makes your mind conceive stories based on the work that is in front of you.
Ismailov noted that by concentrating on the image and removing detail and colour, allowed him to convey a deeper meaning telling a story. This inspired the name of the exhibition, Narrative.
Bobur Ismailov
Bobur Ismailov is an accomplished artist whose work has been on display since 1997. His solo and group exhibitions have been seen by audiences in Russia, America, France, Britain, UAE, Azerbaijan and his native Uzbekistan.
Born in 1973 he displayed his first solo work in 1997. Since then his work has spread internationally and he has branched out from the canvas into other art forms as well. This includes illustrations for various publications, as well as working as art director for several high profile theatre and film productions to date.
He studied Fine Arts at the Benkov Art College in Tashkent for three years, leaving in 1990. From there he continued his studies at the State Institute of Fine Arts in Tashkent, Uzbekistan until 1996. As well as critically acclaimed exhibitions he has won several awards including the Golden Medal of the Fine Arts Academy of Uzbekistan and The Medal of the Honoured Artists of Uzbekistan.
