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Tashkent, Uzbekistan

Akbar Rakhimov

Rakhimovs’ Ceramic Studio
Ceramicist

The fifth element in pottery making

  • Akbar studied geology and learned about the materials present in nature
  • He uses only mineral paints that withstand the highest heat
  • He believes in a metaphysical significance to clay

Akbar Rakhimov belongs to a family of ceramicists, following in the footsteps of his grandfather and his father. His father was famous in the Soviet Union and his work was exported to France and Great Britain. Akbar learned everything about pottery from him and today he himself teaches his son and grandson, as well as other children, expecting them to continue the tradition. Every year he joins archaeological expeditions, where he is able to conduct his artistic research. Witnessing excavations of ancient monuments and admiring natural landscapes inspire Akbar to design future pieces. He often works with traditional shapes and patterns, studying them and demonstrating the power and energy of cultural heritage.


Interview

©Andrey Arakelyan
©Andrey Arakelyan
How did you become a ceramicist?
I started studying with my father at the age of eight. At first, I was playing with clay, making toys, but very soon I became seriously involved with the whole production process – the same way my son and grandson are working with me today.
How did your academic background help you?
When I studied geology at the university, I travelled a lot around the country. I developed a map of all local materials used in pottery, which helped me to understand how the traditions evolved in different regions.
How do you see your role?
In our work we combine energy of all four elements: earth, air, water and fire. As a result, pottery only partially depends on skill; the rest is forces of nature. My work does not begin and does not end, I constantly transform the world.
How often do you experiment?
I focus a lot on reviving ancient technologies, but simultaneously I try to develop new ideas and directions. I constantly experiment and these experiments have cumulative effects. I learn from them and use innovative ideas, while keeping some of them for the future.
Akbar Rakhimov is an expert artisan: he began his career in 1957

Where


Akbar Rakhimov

Address: Kukcha Darboza Street 15, 100042, Tashkent, Uzbekistan
Hours: By appointment only
Phone: +998 908054401
Languages: Uzbek, English, Russian
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