Born in 1928 in the town of Buzuluk in Russia, Yevgeniy Melnikov lived and worked in Uzbekistan from 1953 until his death on September 26, 2010. He was a graduate of the Republican Art School and Tashkent Theater and Arts Institute, and stayed on to teach painting at these schools as well as at an art school for talented children in Tashkent.

He was awarded Do`stlik (Friendship) Medal and earned the title of People`s Artist of Uzbekistan. His art was showcased at national and international exhibitions. Melnikov`s works may be found in museum collections in Uzbekistan as well as in galleries and private collections in the USA, UK, France, Russia, Germany, Malaysia, Belgium, Sweden, Switzerland, Greece, Israel, Turkey, Lebanon and the Netherlands.

Melnikov`s creativity marked the advent of new trends in arts in Uzbekistan. His works feature expressive landscapes and complex artistic solutions, and reflect his efforts to reach lofty human ideals glorifying beauty against the backdrop of the controversies of the 20th century.

The exhibition at the Center of National Arts features only a part of the sizeable cultural legacy that the master left.

Melnikov`s vital artistic power, coupled with his lofty ethical and aesthetical ideals, have rendered his works invaluable and inscribed his name in the annals of Uzbekistan`s artistic pathway.