The art of the miniature painting is well known and spread throughout Uzbekistan, introduced to the area at the time of the Persian conquest. Not only are miniatures historic documents, depicting court scenes or episodes of local lore but they are also the expression of their time. This is very much the case with the miniature paintings by Abduhakim Karimov. His works stand out as they are the impersonification of his very own style.
What maybe most distinguishes Abduhakom Karimov though is his dual art, that of the miniature painting and that of the monumental mural. Mastering the patient paint strokes the minute and intricate details on a tiny surface require and at the same time the grand vision and gesture of the mural painter, has enriched his creative fulfillment. Clearly, in Karimov's work, the essence of one artform finds its way into its very opposite, resulting in exciting and unique works of art, a symbiosis of traditional and modern expressive means based on in depth knowledge of the oriental miniature art of the middle ages, its technology, combined with years of formal training in academic monumental painting.
Abduhakom Karimov's favorite themes are inspired by the classic oriental poetry of Navoi, Nizami, Jami, Pahlavon Makhmud, Lutfi and Firdousy. Karimov's art is defined by the lyrical aspect and imagery and the emotional state they put the viewer in.
The heroes of the "Shah-name" by Firdousy, "Hamsa" by Navoi and Nizami, "Yusuf and Zulayho" by Jami and other literary works are portrayed in such paintings as "Leyli and Majnun", "Bahrain and Dilorom while hunting", "The delighed prince", "Leyli with friends in the garden" and in several other works from these striking series.
Even his modern topics are in line with the canons of miniature art, specifically "Anthem to Nature", "Sufi in Love", "Musicians". Abduhakim Karimov has participated in Republican and International exhibitions. In 1999 "In Love" and "Universe" were shown in the USA as part of the "Treasures of Uzbekistan: The Great Silk Road" exhibition arranged by "Hamar" International Association. His 2002 personal exhibition "Kungil" (Soul) was curated by the Central Exhibition Hall of the Arts Academy of Uzbekistan.
Abduhakom Karimov's art features in the Republic's art fund as well as museum and private collections all over the world (such as the private collection of Prof. Ikyo Khiroyama, president of Tokyo National University of Fine Arts and Music).

by Surayo Alieva
PhD of Arts