Durdy Bayramov (1938-2014) grew up in an orphanage in Turkmenistan and overcame the significant challenges of his youth to become an acclaimed Eurasian artist. Through a prolific career as a painter that spanned more than 55 years, Bayramov was best known for his compelling portraits. His tender approach evokes the special character and qualities within each of his subjects, with whom he shared a deep rapport.

Exhibited here are photographs selected from Durdy Bayramov’s personal archive. Although he took great pleasure in photography, Bayramov used it primarily as a tool in his artistic process and never expected that others would find them fascinating in their own right. The images provide a rare and intimate glimpse into the customs and material culture of Turkmen villagers during this period, and at the same time reflect the profound human spirit shared by all communities.

The exhibition was on view from 25 August – 26 November 2017 in Rotch Library at MIT, and was sponsored by the Aga Khan Documentation Center.

Curated by Sharon C. Smith, Ph.D. | assistant curator, Betsy Baldwin

All images courtesy of the Durdy Bayramov Art Foundation, 2647 Bayview Avenue, Toronto, Ontario M2L 1B8, Canada | +1 647 344 6898