DURDY BAYRAMOV ART FOUNDATION

Acclaimed Turkmen artist Durdy Bayramov (1938–2014) grew up an orphan but rose to become one of Central Asia’s best-known and most celebrated painters. During a career that spanned over 55 years, Bayramov created more than 5,000 artistic pieces and his work has been featured in over 100 solo and group exhibitions worldwide. He was a recipient of numerous prestigious awards and distinctions, including the honorary title of People’s Artist of Turkmenistan (1991), Academician of the National Academy of Arts of Kyrgyzstan (1998), and the “For the Love of the Motherland” medal (2008), presented by the President of Turkmenistan. In addition to being represented in all the main museums in Turkmenistan, Bayramov’s paintings can be found in private collections and museums around the world.

Durdy Bayramov believed passionately in the power of art. In his own words, “Art is deeply human. It expresses hopes, lifts the spirit, and inspires confidence in one’s abilities.” We are committed to advancing his legacy by sharing with all people the profound joy of creating and experiencing fine art.

The Durdy Bayramov Art Foundation is a non-profit organization inspired by Durdy Bayramov’s lifelong devotion to art and education. Integral to the Foundation’s mission is the Bayramov Museum, containing the world’s largest collection of Bayramov’s work. This includes more than 600 oil paintings, 850 works on paper, and several thousand sketches and studies. The Bayramov Library and Archives consists of Bayramov’s collection of over 6,000 prized and historic art books, as well as journals, newspapers, and personal documents. Drawing on these world-class materials, we aim to actively engage artists and the public through a variety of initiatives including exhibitions, research and educational outreach activities. We strive to create opportunities for young artists to pursue their dreams in the arts. Our collaborations with the Smithsonian Institution, the World Bank Art Program, the Textile Museum of Canada, and other international and community partners ensure our inclusive programs engage a broad and diverse audience.