Ahmet Hojayev, an artist and teacher at the Children’s Art School in the Darganatyn etrap in Lebap, creates paintings using the string art technique—weaving strings stretched between support points. He pioneered the development of this art form in Turkmenistan.
As reported by “Turkmenistan: Golden Age,” striving to find new creative ideas, the artist reflected on how the beauty of Turkmen nature and traditions are embodied in the national heritage, which is rooted in the diligence and talent of women. This beauty is created by the skilled hands of craftswomen using multicolored threads. Thus, Ahmet conceived the idea of creating images using threads.
By hammering small nails into a thin wooden base, he creates images by interweaving colored threads.
In 2024, he created his first work, depicting the great Turkmen poet and thinker Magtymguly Pyragy. The portrait, made of black and white threads, was awarded an honorary diploma at a regional competition. This recognition inspired the artist to delve deeper into his new works.
The artist primarily uses green, red, and blue threads. The unique feature of the technique is that by combining these colors, other shades can be created.
Recently, at a regional competition timed to coincide with the National Turkmen Horse Day, his work depicting a horse received high praise.
The artist also took part in a large-scale exhibition in Ashgabat, presenting his image of a racehorse. The work generated great interest among visitors.
In the future, Ahmet Hojayev plans to capture Turkmen nature, portraits of famous figures, and iconic architectural landmarks in colored thread.
