Have you ever marveled at the intricate beauty of handwoven "ikats" from Uzbekistan, perhaps while exploring the Santa Fe International Folk Art Market? Did you find yourself curious about the fascinating techniques behind their creation?
Well, your chance to explore the nuances of this intricate process is here, courtesy of Uzbek ikat master Aziz Murtazaev. Aziz leads a collective of 50 artisans in Margilan, Uzbekistan, who are dedicated to preserving the tradition of crafting these unique and vibrant designs using time-honored handmade methods. (These very methods led to the incarceration of over 70 ikat masters during the 1980s under Soviet governance.)
HoonArts has enjoyed a longstanding partnership with Aziz, and his insights have enriched our endeavors for many years. Aziz returned to New Mexico for the International Folk Art Market in early July, and we were fortunate to have him join us for a seminar event on Saturday, July 1, 2023 in Albuquerque. The seminar was structured as a hybrid experience, accommodating both in-person attendance in Albuquerque and virtual participation via Zoom, allowing attendees from all around the world to take part.
As the intricate process of crafting authentic handwoven ikats spans 20-30 days or more, involving the skilled hands of up to 20 artists (sometimes even more), it wasn't possible to encompass the entire process within a single afternoon. Nevertheless, Aziz offered a visual journey by sharing photographs, videos, and samples representing key stages of the Central Asian ikat production process. He also delved into the nuances that set Central Asian ikats apart from those crafted in other corners of the world.
Now, recognizing that the live event has concluded, we're delighted to provide you with the opportunity to access the video replay at your convenience. This replay enables you to delve into Aziz's expertise and discover the captivating world of Uzbek ikats from the comfort of your own space and on your own schedule.
