Young artist Sarvar Sulaimonov attended the 2nd International Symposium in the Turkish city of Konya, famous for its historical sites, while Alexander Nikolayev came away with lasting impressions of his trip to the 54th Venice Biennale in Italy, where he presented a series of art projects. Those gathered were shown photos and video materials made by the two artists during their visits.

The International Symposium took place May 13-28 in the Turkish city of Konya and was organized by Karatay University established in 2009. The symposium was given the goal of showing the visiting artists Konya’s major historical attractions. The organizers emphasized tours of historical and archeological sites in the city steeped in history. Konya, an ancient city where prominent poets such as Omar Hayyam and Rumi lived, is a center of religion, mystics and Sufism. In 1957, a Society of Whirling Dervishes was re-established in 1957 in Konya as an entity to restore ancient culture. Artists from as many as 26 countries were invited to participate in this year’s symposium. Uzbekistan was represented by Sarvar Sulaimonov.

Sarvar Sulaimonov, artist: “The international symposium in Konya brought together mainly abstract artists. The organizers arranged a tour of historical sites in Konya, which was amazing. And each artist painted two pictures by the end of the symposium. Konya is home to breathtaking historical places and this is where you can see a crossing point of the east and the west.”

Up-and-coming artist Sarvar Sulaimonov, born in 1983 in the city of Kokand, is a graduate of Benkov Art School and Bekzod National Institute of Arts and Design, where he studied under prominent artists such as Jalolov and Akmal Nur. Upon graduation from the Institute in 2008, he started teaching at Tashkent Architecture and Construction Institute. He has participated in a series of exhibitions, including “Navqiron O’zbekiston” Festival of Traditional and Contemporary Arts overseen by the Fund Forum. He is a member of IJOD Association of Artists, Art Historians and Craftsmen.

Alexander Nikolayev of Uzbekistan participated in the 54th Venice Biennale, one of the world’s most famous juried art exhibitions. A separate pavilion at Palazzo Malipiero, an 11th-century edifice, was made available for artists from Central Asia. Nikolayev presented two projects: a video installation titled Fish and a collage set “The World of Good People”.

Titled "Lingua Franca”, the Central Asia pavilion offered works by contemporary artists, who went through a tough selection process overseen by the organizers.

Alexander Nikolayev, artist: “The Venice Biennale is one of the biggest and most important events in the world of arts. It is held every two years and brings artists from all over the world. I was struck by the diversity, brightness and originality of the artworks, video and audio installations. I have made lots of snapshots and brought them here. I am so happy I was selected to represent my country. Many thanks to the Fund Forum and IJOD Association for the opportunity to participate in the event and show the world the potential of Uzbek artists.”

Alexander Nikolayev, born in 1968 in Tashkent, is a graduate of Benkov Art School. He is a member of the Creative Union of Artists of Uzbekistan and IJOD Association. Nikolayev has participated in a number of local and international exhibitions and festivals, including events organized by the Fund Forum such as “Navqiron O’zbekiston” Festival of Traditional and Contemporary Arts, “Signs of Time” International Exhibition of Modern Art, etc.