Muhamadali Hamroev

Uzbekistan

Year(s) attended: 2004, 2005, 2008, 2009

Ornamental Painting on Furniture, Tables and Home Decor

Muhamadali Hamroev works in the traditions of his medieval ancestors in Central Asia, creating beautiful hand painted boxes, games and tables. Over centuries, ornamental painting became a major form of decorative art throughout the Muslim world. Since the representation of living things is traditionally prohibited by Islam, the patterns used usually consist of geometrical and floral designs. The designs are painted on wood or papier-mâché. After painting the designs, the items are varnished 4 times in order to give them stability and ensure their safe use without harm.

Muhamadali emulates the age old Bukhara ornamental painting which can still be seen on the walls of ancient buildings of historical places in Bukhara, including the fortress of the last governor of the city. He was inspired and taught by his grandfather, a carpenter, while he apprenticed in his shop. Later he studied wood technology in books and participated in training courses organized by the Bukhara Craft Center. His work is exhibited in the State museum in Bukhara and Tashkent, as well as private collections abroad. In 2002 he received an award from the Smithsonian Institution and, in 2004, he won an honorable certificate from UNESCO and CACCSA, a Central Asian arts society.