Tajikistan Free Artistic Expression & Reflection (TajFRESH)

About the Project

Art serves as a potent medium for articulating thoughts and perspectives, enriching the cultural landscape, and enhancing social cohesion. In Tajikistan, opportunities for free self-expression and artistic freedom are constrained, particularly for youth and local artists. This project seeks to address these limitations by create a space and opportunities that champions artistic freedom and empowers artists to engage with societal issues.

The initiative underscores the role of emerging artists, art students, and intellectuals as pivotal mediators and stewards of societal change, with a particular emphasis on women's empowerment. It includes a pilot curatorial program designed to provide these individuals with the resources and environment necessary for free expression and reflection on societal issues, thereby fostering dialogue, creative expression, and amplifying marginalized voices.

By leveraging the power of art, the project aims to stimulate reflection and peer discourse on social issues, thereby promoting critical thinking among audiences. The overarching goal is to cultivate a dynamic and thriving artistic community that contributes to societal transformation and upholds a culture of free expression and critical analysis.

The project has been realized with the support of the Swiss Government.

art curators

Alina Valamat-Zade is a journalist and urban activist. Although journalism is inherently a creative pursuit, it was through her role as an art curator that she was able to most profoundly articulate her vision.

Taskina Komilzoda is a linguistics student, instructional and motion designer, and a dedicated art and eco-activist. Through her art initiative, she powerfully conveys her vision by transforming waste into thought-provoking art.

exhibitions & ARTISTS

July 6, 2024

Poster Club

In the dynamic yet isolating environment of a bustling city, loneliness can resonate deeply. The "Poster Club" exhibition curated by Valamat-Zade brought together some of the most compassionate and motivational messages, offering support and solace to the residents of Dushanbe navigating difficult circumstances.

July 13, 2024

EcoArt:

Through the "EcoArt: Inspiration in Upcycling" exhibition curated by Taskina Komilzoda, discarded materials are reimagined as a medium for creative expression. This approach not only addresses pressing contemporary challenges but also inspires others to reconsider their relationship with the environment.

Inspiration in Upcycling

Artists and eco & art activists: Abdumannonova Nigina, Akrami Salomatkhoni, Amal Nazrieva, Angubin Shirinova, Darina Jurabaeva, Husnoro Juraeva, Karine Chalyan, Madina Sharopova, Muhammad Jamilov, Nilufar Sohibnazarova, Nora Petrosova, Nushofarin Nurulloeva, Oro Sharifova, Sumaya Mirzoeya, Nigina Abdumannova, Saidjon Davlatov

Artists and activists: Alina Anisimova, Jamolidin Kodirov, Dilbar Sobirova, Dilnoza Kholova, Yosuman Usmonova, Iskandar Pirov, Isomadinov Maruf, Madina Sharipova, Nora Petrova, Timur Rustamov, Sumaya Mirzoeva, Umed Mardonov, Timur Khisoriev, Karyna Chalyan, Shahrom Akhmedov, Yasmina Lorentz