Happy Bird Art Gallery, Samarkand

Address: 43a, Tashkentskaya str, Samarkand
Phone: (+99866) 233-15-48, (+99893) 720-42-15
Working hours: every day from 10:00 a.m. to 07:00 p.m.
Web-site: www.asianart.uz/

Upon entering the quaint Happy Bird Art Gallery, located within a historic caravanserai building that now serves as the Samarkand Center of Crafts, you're embraced by a distinct and homely ambiance. The gallery is adorned with an array of artistic treasures, from exquisite handcrafted Uzbek carpets and national-style clothing to vibrant blue-and-white and brown-and-green ceramics. Antique jewelry, paintings, intricate suzane embroidery, figurines, and graphic arts contribute to the gallery's lavish yet cozy and informal interior, where gallery director and art critic Elena Ladik warmly greets you.

This gallery has often been likened to Ali Baba's Cave, given the array of unique artworks it houses. These treasures include works by both venerable masters and renowned contemporary artists, the latter of whom not only exhibit their work here but are also regular patrons of the art salon.

While most items on display can be purchased, selling isn't the primary mission of "Happy Bird". Elena Ladik emphasizes, "The loss of authenticity is a troubling trend in today's world. Replicas, be they artificial products, synthetic fabrics, or insincere human connections, have flooded all aspects of life. It's our priority at Happy Bird to uphold quality in the material and cultural values we offer, as well as in the human relationships we foster." The artists at the gallery acquire old fabrics from local Samarkand residents, fabrics that have been carefully stored for decades, and use them to create vintage clothing. The dresses and suits here impress with their impeccable cut and superior material quality.

The Happy Bird Art Gallery warmly extends an invitation to anyone with a keen interest in folk crafts and art to explore their exhibition and become acquainted with the works of acclaimed Uzbek artists. The gallery also has a delightful tradition of serving visitors aromatic coffee, freshly brewed over an open flame.

Synopsis:

Established in Samarkand in 2005, the Happy Bird Art Gallery proudly stands as a member of both the Central Asian Craft Support Association (CACSA) and the Hunarmand Republican Association of Craftsmen. The "Happy Bird" gallery offers a perpetual exhibition, but also hosts personal exhibitions and masterclasses conducted by Uzbek and foreign artists alike. Moreover, the art gallery arranges international exhibitions showcasing their expositions. The gallery's core principles revolve around the promotion of Uzbek folk crafts and art, the exclusive use of locally sourced natural materials, fair compensation, and the support and nurturing of talented and driven artists.