Oyjon Khayrullaeva's Mosaic Organ Sculptures Debut at Inaugural Bukhara Biennial
At the inaugural Bukhara Biennial, Uzbek artist Oyjon Khayrullaeva unveiled her mosaic sculpture series titled Eight Lives (2024–25), showcasing human organs. This project, commissioned by the Uzbekistan Art and Culture Development Foundation and curated by Diana Campbell, marks a significant milestone for Khayrullaeva, who embarked on her artistic journey just three to four years ago. Utilizing digital collage techniques influenced by Islamic architecture, she positioned each organ at notable historical locations in Bukhara: the heart at the caravanserai, lungs at Gavkushon Madrasa, kidneys by an ancient canal, stomach and intestines at Café Oshqozon, brain near Khoja Kalon Mosque, and liver at Rashid Madrasa. The series conveys her personal battles with depression and anxiety, representing her first major international exhibition.
Key facts
- Oyjon Khayrullaeva created Eight Lives (2024–25) for the inaugural Bukhara Biennial
- The series consists of monumental mosaic sculptures depicting seven vital human organs
- Installations were placed across historic sites in Bukhara, Uzbekistan
- Khayrullaeva transitioned to art practice three to four years ago after photography and studies in Europe
- Works were inspired by Islamic architectural ornamentation in Samarkand and Bukhara
- Collaboration involved craftsmen Raxmon Toirov and Rauf Taxirov
- The artist experienced psychosomatic symptoms during creation of each organ
- Commission came from Uzbekistan Art and Culture Development Foundation with curator Diana Campbell
Entities
Artists
- Oyjon Khayrullaeva
- Raxmon Toirov
- Rauf Taxirov
- Chin-chin Yap
- Diana Campbell
- Andrey Arekelyan
- Adrien Dirand
Institutions
- Bukhara Biennial
- Uzbekistan Art and Culture Development Foundation
- ArtAsiaPacific
Locations
- Bukhara
- Uzbekistan
- Samarkand
- Singapore
- Lisbon
- Tashkent
- Europe