Dutch artist’s exhibition about Uzbekistan in England
The exhibition of paintings of Dutch artist Ronald Kleijer dedicated to Uzbekistan was held in one of the oldest castles of western England Englefield House, history of which dates back to the VIII century. The exhibition was organized by the Benyons family (owners of the castle) with support of the Embassy of Uzbekistan in London and the British-Uzbek society.
Mr Kleijer, a citizen of the Netherlands, graduated the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in the Hague. Since 1998 he has been living and working in Uzbekistan, where he has a family. The main sources of his inspiration are the history and present life of Uzbekistan, landscapes, ancient cities Tashkent, Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva, as well as unique oriental bazaars, friendly and hospitable people.
A distinctive feature of his work is that in his paintings one can clearly see a desire of combining the artistic heritage of the Dutch masters of Baroque with today's views and landscapes of Uzbekistan. In the row of portrait works it is clearly visible the love of Mr Kleijer to Rembrandt. His style also reflects the best traditions of Uzbek art of the 20th century. Previously, his works have been exhibited in more than 20 exhibitions in the Netherlands, Uzbekistan, Russia, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan and Ukraine.
Exhibition of Mr Kleijer was placed in the Long Gallery of the Englefield House, where the Norreys family (former owners) received HM the Queen Elizabeth I in 1601. During the World War I there was a hospital in this hall.
70 oil paintings of Mr Kleijer were presented in the exhibition, among them - portraits, miniatures, landscapes and still life. A particular interest of guests was attracted by such paintings as "The Wisdom of the East", "Munira and Bobo", "Heart of Bukhara", "Portrait of a Man", as well as a number of works on the theme of bread, fruit, spices and jars.
Ambassador of Uzbekistan Otabek Akbarov noted in a brief speech at the opening of the exhibition that in the works of Mr Kleijer one can feel his love and respect to Uzbekistan and its people. Pictures of this Dutch painter, no doubt, will contribute to better knowledge and understanding of Uzbek history and culture in Great Britain and other foreign countries. Visitors were also welcomed by the Conservative Member of British Parliament Richard Benyon, whose sister Susanna actively participated in the preparation of the exhibition.
In an interview for Uzbek TV Mr Kleijer said: «Assalomu aleykum, aziz dustlar. We are not far from Reading today, on the opening of my exhibition about Uzbekistan – a country that I love very much and where I have been living for 13 years. I am very happy to see many guests with us today. In my works I try to show my love to Central Asia, namely to Uzbekistan. I draw pictures on different subjects, but the most important thing I want to express in them is love, because it never ends. Strange though, it happens when the painter gets tired with drawing on the same topic, but I can come to Bukhara, Samarkand and Khiva every time, and see different new things for myself. Therefore, I would like to live and create for many years in Uzbekistan, and to show the world my work, my love and my respect to the people of Uzbekistan. Thank you".
Former Director of the Office of British Council in Tashkent Neville McBain: "I am particularly delighted that Ronald Kleijer’s exhibition is taking place today in the UK, because it shows life of Uzbekistan to the people of our country. I lived with my family in Uzbekistan, working with the British Council, traveled throughout the country and met so many people, and I know about tremendously rich culture of Uzbekistan, a wonderful people and amazing history. A great future ahead of it. It is wonderful to have this cooperation between our countries, when the artists can come here, display their work, show to the British people what life in Uzbekistan is like with such a rich heritage. I hope there will be other opportunities like this in future. There are many friends of Uzbekistan in the UK. We are here to support such cooperation. The organization I worked for – British Council exists to promote cultural and educational cooperation between two countries, and it always looks for new opportunities to strengthen this relationship with Uzbekistan. And we are here as friends of Uzbekistan and are delighted to play our part as well to strengthen these links. Thank you".
Cover of broshure
Kleijer - Heart of Bukhara
Susanna McBain (Benyon), Ronald Kleijer, his spouse Gala, Nisa Akbarova and Ambassador Akbarov
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