Andakulova Gallery brings works of Central Asian art titans to Dubai
- 07 Apr 2025
Muhammad Yusuf, Features Writer
Andakulova Gallery has just announced its latest exhibition, Dreams of Spring, a showcase featuring works of internationally acclaimed artists Timur D’Vatz, Timur Akhmedov and Alfiz Sabirov, at Al Habtoor Palace, Al Habtoor City, Dubai (from Apr. 24). The exhibition is being held under the patronage of the Consulate General of the Republic of Uzbekistan in Dubai. “This exhibition presents a profound artistic dialogue that bridges the past and present, exploring themes of mythology, symbolism and human emotion, through striking visual narratives,” says Natalya Andakulova, owner of her eponymous gallery.
Timur D’Vatz can be said to be a timeless traveller of symbolism and mythology. The UK-based artist of Uzbek origin intertwines ancient mythology, Byzantine art and medieval tapestries, turning them into contemporary masterpieces. His elongated figures and intricate symbolic elements create an otherworldly atmosphere; he draws inspiration from historical artistic traditions and textile patterns, exploring primeval landscapes, where celestial elements guide hunters and mystical creatures toward a Fountain or Magical Flower, which can be seen as the essence of life itself.
For the artist, mythology is the starting point of an inner journey through external experience. “In order to go forward, we must also go back to our roots; the journey forward is always a return,” according to him. In interpreting myth through poetic brushstrokes, the works carry ancient legends where the metaphor of the hunt stands for a quest, a journey and the search for ourselves. Dividing his time between Normandy and London, D’Vatz continues to weave a timeless narrative that resonates across cultures and generations.
Timur Akhmedov is a master of colour, shape, and meaning. Born in Tashkent in 1968, he is one of Uzbekistan’s most celebrated contemporary artists. His works invite personal interpretation and thus evoke an emotional experience in the viewer. Akhmedov’s compositions, rich in metaphor and symbolism, feature a striking balance between realism and abstraction. His latest series, Liaisons, unfolds like a dreamlike fairy tale, blending vibrant Asian turquoise, warm ochre and deep reds, to create cinematic and thought-provoking paintings.
Having exhibited globally in the UK, Switzerland and Russia, Akhmedov’s art challenges perceptions and ignites the imagination. A winner of Grand Prix Asia-Art, his works are characterised by high tension in the melding of colour, and between oneself and the world. The artist attempts to find a link with the world, while simultaneously trying to fly away from it, for a better world. In 2016, he took part in World Art Dubai, being represented by Andakulova Gallery.
A mythmaker in the field of contemporary sculpture, Alfiz Sabirov’s sculptures transport viewers to a world of warriors and mythical beings. Born in Ishimovo, Russia, he studied at the Russian Academy of Painting, Sculpture and Architecture, developing a distinctive artistic language that merges diverse materials and textures. Drawing from his Tatar heritage and related ancient artistic traditions, Sabirov’s works echo the legacy of past civilisations, reinterpreted through modern sculptural techniques. His art is a connection between contemporary expression and historical artifacts, bringing new and unexpected narratives to life.
Forbes Middle East Events notes that Alfiz spent his childhood “immersed in nature, studying and marvelling at its wonders. Over time, he developed his own mythology, which he intricately weaves into his artwork.” Inspired by the natural world and folklore, he engages in a continuous dialogue about what nature wishes to communicate. His artist-created realm is populated by Eastern princesses and totemic animals, children of a vivid imagination.
“Alfiz’s characters may not exist in reality, but they thrive in his enchanting vision,” concludes Forbes. “Fabulous leopards, magnificent bears, and other extraordinary creatures serve as artifacts that evoke the mysteries of ancient times.” In 2014, Alfiz gained international recognition, showcasing his work in various cities across Russia and Europe. His sculptures are now part of numerous museums and private collections. He collaborates with renowned global brands, including Lexus, Louis Vuitton and Caparol, while his sculptures celebrate nature and express a deep love for its wisdom and mystery. The celebration of cultural heritage and contemporary expression, Dreams of Spring unites the three artists in a shared exploration of storytelling through art. Their works, spanning painting, sculpture, and mixed media, offer an immersive experience into worlds, both real and mythical. The exhibition is a must-see for art enthusiasts, collectors, and cultural connoisseurs seeking to engage with the evolving landscape of Central Asian contemporary art.
Andakulova Gallery, Dubai, is a leading contemporary art space dedicated to showcasing the visual arts of Central Asia. Founded by Natalya Andakulova, it serves as a platform for emerging and mid-career artists from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan (the ‘Stans’). The gallery’s mission is to cultivate cultural dialogue between Central Asia and the Middle East, and to reintroduce the region’s artistic heritage to Dubai’s dynamic art scene through exhibitions, collaborations, and scholarly engagement.
Legends Art Club, founded by Alexandra Shcherbovich, is a community of art lovers bound by a shared passion for discovering the magic of art and aesthetics. It is a place where creativity transcends boundaries, bringing together people who are eager to explore, experience, and connect through the world of art. Members enjoy opportunities to meet renowned artists, visit their studios, observe the creative process, and attend art events across the globe. The club also hosts the opening days of art exhibitions and performances, and strives to foster collaborations between artists and brands.