Art show provokes cries of blasphemy
Published 22 November, 2007, 09:47
A young painter from central Asia has caused a row in Moscow over an exhibition of religious paintings called “Samarkand Icons”. Shukhrat Abdumalikov's work combines Biblical characters with scenes from the Koran. Some critics say the exhibition is unacceptable as it is offensive to many religious people.
Abdumalikov failed to finish art school and says he is looking for his own style. He combines Russian icon painting with images of eastern religions.
“If I were religious and followed some canons or commandments, I would probably never be able to experiment in the way I do. My art would be limited then. Some people call it blasphemy,” Abdumalikov said.
