Gurumsarai ceramics art echoes at Center of National Arts

May 12, 2011

The Center of National Arts is housing an exhibition of Vakhobjon Buvayev, a master of Gurumsarai ceramics. On display are around 80 ceramic items created by Buvayev and his teachers who are the founders of the Gurumusarai local school of ceramics. Organized by the Fund Forum and IJOD Association, the art show will run through June 1, 2011.

The opening day of the art show was attended by prominent Uzbek culture and art professionals, winners of the Fund Forum projects to support craftsmen and national traditions (e.g. Bazar-Art, Asrlar Sadosi Festival etc.), Buvayev’s apprentices, journalists and guests.

In their speeches they talked about the history and masters of Gurumsarai ceramics and Buvayev’s contribution to the art. Although not a hereditary artist, he achieved commendable results in his efforts to revive Gurumsarai ceramics. In appreciation of his achievements, Buvayev received a Diploma of Honor presented by academician and prominent ceramist Akbar Rakhimova during the opening ceremony.

Akbar Rakhimov:

“Gurumsarai used to be a hub of Uzbek ceramics where prominent ceramists lived and worked. Their creations are kept in priceless museum collections throughout the world. Notably, these ceramics masters maintained very close friendship ties. They would get together each week, they would bring what they had created during the week, discuss and asses each other’s works. The maker of the best ceramic object would be honored and he would be held in high regard.”

Gurumsarai is one the centers of traditional ceramic art in Uzbekistan. This unique art has been represented by masters of particular crafts dynasties. Among them are M. Rakhimov, M. Turopov, H. Hakimov and Satimov among others, who founded the contemporary school of ceramics of Uzbekistan. Now that these masters departed this life, this ceramics center faces the threat of disappearing.

Ortiqali Faizullayev, woodcarving master and winner of Bazar-Art/2010 projects (Tashkent):

“Gurumsarai has always been one of the hubs of ceramics art in Ferghana Valley. It was home to many outstanding masters who left a great legacy which is now being studies and revived by young ceramists. Vakhobjon is one of the few ceramists deeply committed to studying the Gurumsarai school of art. But most importantly, he is one of those who continue to pass their skills on to the younger generation. Let us wish him every success in his creative activities”.

Born in 1969 in Namangan Region, Buvayev graduated from Namangan State University with a degree in art graphics and applied art. He works to perpetuate the traditions of Gurumsarai school and he studied under the famous ceramist Maqsudali Turopov.

In his creativity, Buvayev relies on traditional techniques, which includes collection of herbs which are turned into a glaze, use of a potter’s wheel, and ornamental painting on the items. The artist’s favorite objects include lagans (platters), jugs and deep dishes. The dominant motifs include chorbarg (quatrefoils), cruciform patters, variations of rooster crests, and stellar shapes.

Vakhobjon Buvayev:

“I’m glad to see my friends here and everyone who loves the art of ceramics and appreciates my works. Today you can see not only my apprentices but also teachers who help me, give me advice and share my success. I want to say a big thank you to the Center of National Arts, the Fund Forum and IJOD Association which support craftsmen across Uzbekistan, provide grants and organize exhibitions.”

Buvayev has participated in exhibitions and fairs held in Uzbekistan. He is a member of IJOD Association of Artists, Art Historians and Craftsmen. Through studying and conserving the traditions of Gumusarai school of ceramics, Buvayev became a master representative of a unique ceramics school.