Abdulvakhid Bukhoriy Karimov

Petersons, Reinis

Ceramicist

©Andrey Arakelyan

Restoring the glory of tradition

Abdulvahid combines ancient techniques with contemporary approaches
He helped to restore an ancient complex of Ichan Qala
He revitalises a forgotten tradition of Bukhara blue ceramics

Abdulvahid Bukhoriy Karimov started working with clay in his childhood, learning to make toys in a village in the Bukhara region. He later moved to Tashkent and studied at the Art College and the National Institute of Fine Arts and Design. He always loved ancient ceramics and spent a lot of time in museums. Today he is particularly interested in working with national heritage, using local clays, reviving traditional patterns and techniques. Abdulvahid regularly participates in restoration projects and contributes to the reconstruction of historic sites. He creates unique pieces, but always cites history and national traditions as sources of inspiration. He is looking for balance between innovation and universal values, combining beauty and moderation.

Interview

©Andrey Arakelyan

©Andrey Arakelyan

Do you remember your first serious work?: I created a large outdoor sculpture while still studying at college. The work was entitled 'Pegasus' and it was exhibited in the foyer of the school. When the examiner saw my work, he told my teacher that my final project was complete.
What is the most rewarding moment when working with ceramics?: It is definitely the moment when you take your fired pieces out of the kiln. Fortunately, or unfortunately, I am rarely happy with everything about my work and mostly appreciate its various parts. I am constantly learning, both from my experiments and from the past.
How does the history of Uzbekistan affect your creativity?: Pottery is a huge part of our national tradition, and I belong to it. I worked at archaeological sites for several years and that experience taught me a lot. Our history has shaped my worldview and my understanding of my role as an artist.
How do you combine your own vision with tradition?: I respect traditional methods, even when they require a lot of effort. Our ancestors spent hours and days preparing glazes and firing pieces, and some of the methods that I use are thousands of years old. However, this is my own work and I never copy the past.

Abdulvakhid Bukhoriy Karimov is a master artisan: he began his career in 1986 and he started teaching in 1998