Turkmenistan
arts from the land of Magtymguly
By: Paul Michael Taylor, Trevor Loomis Merrion, William Bradford Smith, Jasper Waugh-Quasebarth
Subject: Turkmenistan: Arts from the Land of Magtymguly is designed to introduce the traditional and contemporary arts of Turkmenistan to a broad public. The authors, who are researchers within the Smithsonian's Asian cultural history program, describe recent reinterpretations of traditional themes and motifs from Turkmenistan's past within artworks of the twentieth and twenty-first centuries. These transformations include the incorporation of distinctive tribal or regional elements into a national narrative of a unified Turkmenistan, corresponding to the "dream" so frequently expressed in the poetry of the 18th-century poet Magtymguly - who is now celebrated as the national poet of Turkmenistan. This survey is amply illustrated with many previously unpublished examples of traditional textiles and craftwork from the State Museum of the State Cultural Center of Turkmenistan; paintings, gobelins, and other contemporary artworks from Turkmenistan's Museum of Fine Arts; and musical adaptions and interpretations of Magtymguly's verses performed by bagshy (folk musicians who sing the verses while playing their two-stringed dutar) from the archives of Turkmenistan's National Conservatory. --From back cover
AI Overview
The book "Turkmenistan: Arts from the Land of Magtymguly" is an introduction to the traditional and contemporary arts of Turkmenistan, authored by researchers at the Smithsonian's Asian Cultural History Program. The book is a collaborative effort by Paul Michael Taylor, Trevor Loomis Merrion, William Bradford Smith, and Jasper Waugh-Quasebarth.
Key Themes
- Traditional Arts: The book delves into the rich cultural heritage of Turkmenistan, exploring traditional arts such as textiles, music, and crafts.
- Contemporary Arts: It also examines the evolution of contemporary art in Turkmenistan, highlighting modern trends and influences.
- Cultural Significance: The authors discuss the cultural significance of various art forms, including their historical context and significance within Turkmen society.
- Magtymguly: The book is named after Magtymguly, a renowned poet from Turkmenistan, whose works are deeply intertwined with the country's cultural identity.
Plot Summary
The book is structured to provide a comprehensive overview of Turkmenistan's artistic heritage. It includes detailed descriptions of traditional crafts, historical artifacts, and contemporary artistic movements. The authors use a multidisciplinary approach, combining anthropology, art history, and cultural studies to present a nuanced understanding of Turkmenistan's artistic landscape.
Critical Reception
While specific reviews are not provided in the sources, the book's publication by the Smithsonian's Asian Cultural History Program suggests a high level of academic rigor and credibility. The involvement of prominent researchers in the field of cultural anthropology and art history indicates that the book is likely to be well-received by scholars and enthusiasts of Turkmenistan's culture.
Additional Information
- Publication: The book was published in 2013 by the Asian Cultural History Program at the Smithsonian Institution.
- Collaborative Effort: The authors' diverse backgrounds and expertise contribute to the book's comprehensive nature, offering insights from various perspectives on Turkmenistan's arts.
- Research Focus: The book is part of a broader research initiative aimed at documenting and preserving the cultural heritage of Central Asia, particularly focusing on Turkmenistan.
In summary, "Turkmenistan: Arts from the Land of Magtymguly" is a meticulously researched and well-structured book that provides a deep dive into the traditional and contemporary arts of Turkmenistan. Its critical reception is likely to be positive due to the involvement of renowned researchers and the academic credibility of the Smithsonian Institution.