By Durdy Bayramov Art Foundation
Durdy Bayramov Art Foundation
Colourful Canada
During his life, artist Durdy Bayramov (1938-2014) travelled between his home country of Turkmenistan and many locations around the world. Bayramov longed to visit Canada: he idealised it as isolated yet home to uniquely captivating scenery. In 2012, his dream was fulfilled when he visited his daughter Keyik Bayramova in Toronto. Instantly, he became enamoured with the country’s natural beauty, geographic diversity and its kind and welcoming people. During his six-month stay, he insisted on having a studio and would work daily.
Canadian Autumn. Landscape (2012) by Durdy BayramovDurdy Bayramov Art Foundation
Not surprisingly, the artist found himself inspired to paint the landscapes and people that he encountered. During his visit, he witnessed Canada’s vibrant seasonal transitions, from a breezy and serene summer to a colorful autumn.
Autumn Evening (2012) by Durdy BayramovDurdy Bayramov Art Foundation
Mont-Tremblant (2012) by Durdy BayramovDurdy Bayramov Art Foundation
It was during that time that he was moved to create his 2012 series “Canadian Autumn”, capturing the colours and natural character of Canada. For Bayramov, the bright colours and beauty of the series represented Canada’s breath-taking nature, strong multiculturalism, and the spirit of tolerance and liberty. The series that he created was a tribute to the beautiful country that had been so welcoming to him.
Green Landscape. Canada (2012) by Durdy BayramovDurdy Bayramov Art Foundation
In 2017, Canada celebrates her 150th anniversary and will forever serve as a testament to the welcoming nature of Canadians as well as those around the world who open their arms to visitors from other countries.
Untitled (2012) by Durdy BayramovDurdy Bayramov Art Foundation
When Bayramov was living in Canada, his studio was on Greengate Road. The sketches and paintings from Greengate brought an entire community together. Each neighbour recognised their respective house, and for most it brought back memories of a sweet Turkmen man who spent his days on the hot pavement lovingly capturing his surroundings.
Some had lived on Greengate for twenty years or more and had not once met a neighbor. Bayramov and his sketches became the unifying factor in his community even after his passing, welcoming a wide array of cultural backgrounds, races, and creeds.
Bayramov's daughter and her family remain close friends with the Greengate community to this day.
Untitled (2012) by Durdy BayramovDurdy Bayramov Art Foundation
After Bayramov’s passing, his daughter and her family moved to the house where he had studio in while he stayed in Canada. During her family’s move-in, a Swiss woman who had been living on Greengate for a long period of time approached Bayramov's daughter and stated how excited she was to see the artist again. She did not know that Bayramov had passed away and was saddened by the news. Learning how great of an impact her father had made during his visit, the artist's daughter decided to invite the neighbours to show the work he had created.
Tree in the Garden (2012) by Durdy BayramovDurdy Bayramov Art Foundation
Greengate Road
In the morning, the artist would take his easel into the quiet cul-de-sac and sit in his neighbour’s driveways to sketch their houses. He spoke very little English, but easily befriended those he met on his daily excursions because of his compassionate personality.
An Italian woman who happened to live across the street was drawn to Bayramov’s daily ritual, and would bring him cookies and water while he worked in the summer heat. She, like Bayramov, did not speak much English, but they managed to understand each other.
Bayramov in Canada (2012)Durdy Bayramov Art Foundation
Self-Portrait (2003/2003) by Durdy BayramovDurdy Bayramov Art Foundation
During his visit, Bayramov impacted the lives of multiple people. His work serves as a tribute to Canada, her spirited people and vast untouched landscapes of the north.
Happy 150th Anniversary, Canada! (2012/2017) by Durdy BayramovDurdy Bayramov Art Foundation
Curated by:
Rachel Thomas & Tatyana Shmatlay
Project Director:
Keyik Bayramova
Videographer:
Elchin Mukhtarov
