The exhibition “Dervish in Love” opened at the National Museum of Art of Azerbaijan. It was organized by the Academy of Arts of Uzbekistan, the National Museum of Art of Azerbaijan, and the Gallery of Fine Arts of Uzbekistan with the assistance of the Embassy of the Republic of Uzbekistan in the Republic of Azerbaijan.

Works by artists who unknowingly illustrate specific Sufi motifs are becoming widespread in miniature painting. In particular, the motif of dervishes – meditating, playing music, staying with their beloved, wandering – is widespread in miniaturists’ works. But dervish is considered a certain condition or stage in the life of a Sufi. The motif of a procession or journey is also common in the works of modern miniaturists. This could be a procession of dervishes, travelers, or a caravan.

Another thematic line that allows us to draw parallels with Sufi themes is the theme of love.

The purpose of the exhibition “Dervish in Love” is to introduce the Azerbaijani viewer to the wonderful art of miniature painting in Uzbekistan, which continues the invaluable traditions of the past and strives to add something of its own to them.

N. Usmanova, UzA