Karakalpaki Girl

This work, from Turkmeni master of historical artwork Toily Chopanov, is very much out of character for the artist. Perhaps that’s why I fell in love with it at first sight. The young artist has been part of many international exhibitions (most recently September 2023 in Greece). Toily was also featured at a festival of artists in Tashkent this year, and it was there that he met this model. Rather than words of love (they spoke different languages, mind you), he used the brush. Why she (the girl from Karakalpakia) was wearing exactly 13 shawls, what her name is… Toily can’t say. But buying a painting with lots of unknowns is even more interesting for me.

Perhaps one of my readers is familiar with the traditions of Karakalpakia? Or will the girl herself write in?

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