Nigora Sharafhojayeva is one of the most unpredictable and interesting representatives of contemporary art in Uzbekistan. Her creations have often caused lively discussions as they tend to be interpreted in equivocal ways. Sharafhojayeva has made thousands of young fans in Tashkent and the bulk of the visitors to her art show were young people.

Kamola Akilova, Doctor of Art:

“The Youth Creativity Palace has a mission to discover young talents and give them an opportunity to have their say. I’m glad that the public can view Nigora’s art. She is courageous, sincere and her works are eye-catching. I would like our museums to acquire more and more contemporary artworks and display them along with classical works.”

Sharafhojayeva is a famous artist who, despite being young, brings serious experience in decorative design. This explains why she gives preference to contemporary art. She often combines oriental motifs with modern reality, which makes her works close to the local viewer. A typical example would be “Ecosaedr”, a structure made of photos of her family members who, according to her, have been a source of strength and inspiration. Another piece is “LUN@LIK.YA”, an image of a modern woman who retains her feminism notwithstanding the technocratic nature of the modern world.

Among other pieces by the artist are “Oko” (the eye), “Yaytso”, “K.U.B” and the “Bridge”. One of her brand new projects is Domino video project, in which the artist sees similarities between domino chips and Tashkent streets.

Nigora Sharafhojayeva, artist:

“I’m blessed that I had talented teachers. They are Javlon Umarbekov and Anatoliy Zhaboyedov. On the whole, I don’t draw the line at academic art, but my passion is modern art. My works do not carry complete ideas and I want the viewer to interpret it in his or her own way. The title of the exhibition, Enigma, says a lot about my works: I present my puzzles to the public, puzzles which I hope will interest people. This exhibition is sort of a report for me or an exam where I brought together all my creations over the past 4 years. I want to put an end to the initial stage of creative pathway in order to move on. Many thanks to my colleagues, to the Youth Creativity Palace and the Fund Forum for providing assistance to young people who want to contribute to contemporary art and to hone their skills.”

Sharafhojayeva was born in 1978 in Jizzakh and graduated from Kamoliddin Bekzod National Institute of Arts and Design. She is a member of “5+1” Creative Union of Contemporary Artists. The Group’s creations contain a dialogue of cultures based on an understanding of the philosophical and spiritual experience of Islamic art which is being influenced by European postmodernism.

She has also participated in projects overseen by the Fund Forum, such as Navqiron O’zbekiston Festival of Traditional and Contemporary Art in 2008 and 2010, “Lunolikaya” Exhibition held as part of National Film Festival in 2008, Sensus Exhibition in 2010, and “Aristotle’s Mystery” Young Artists’ Exhibition among others.

The young artist’s endeavors to realize her potential in several art media – installation, performance, photography and video art – have enabled her to create her own world of contemporary art, which shows prospects of ultimate mastery.