Ogulsapar Muradova
The grid is a visual structure that lies at the heart of modern art. As a graphic component in painting, it came to prominence in the early 20th century in the abstractions of the Russian painter Kazimir Malevich and the Dutch-born Piet Mondrian. Along with other experimental visual techniques developed in the fine arts of the early 20th century, it was adapted by graphic designers in the late 20th century for various illustrative purposes.
This portrait is in Green and Red, the colors of the Turkmenistan flag. The left side is taken up with squares that are reminiscent of rug looms. Geometric rug patterns are also featured on the flag.
Against this squared geometry the round beam of the radio wave navigates with ease.
The right side of the portrait is done with flat patterns as well. I was struck by the fact that Ogulsapar Muradova was always smiling in her photographs.
The rose is the national flower of Turkmenistan, and I like to think of this biomorphic shape growing across and finally conquering the grid.
