First International Pottery Forum kicks off in Rishtan
Rishtan, The Gulf Observer: The opening ceremony of the First International Pottery Forum took place in Rishtan district of Fergana region.
The event, organized at the International Ceramics Center, was attended by foreign and local potters, artisans, industry specialists, and representatives of the general public.
First, the guests got acquainted with the exhibition of foreign and domestic pottery products. They were greatly impressed by the exhibition of Uzbek folk art and games, two-story houses of potters, workshops, and retail stores at the International Ceramics Center.
At the gala event, the Chairman of Hunarmand Association Ulugbek Abdullayev, Deputy Hokim of Fergana Region Fayzulla Qosimov spoke about the significance of this international event, the expected results, and the attention to this industry.
The International Scientific-Practical Conference “Pottery of the 21st Century: Traditions and Innovations” started at the Crafts and Tourism Complex in the citizens’ assembly of “Oker” mahalla, which was recently put into operation as part of the forum. The conference, filled with exciting lectures and discussions, was attended by over 70 potters, art historians, experts, researchers, and business representatives worldwide.
At the conference, researchers and experts from England, Israel, Belarus, Kyrgyzstan, Bashkortostan, and Tajikistan expressed their opinions. They, in particular, recognized that the state pays great attention to industry development in the country, and Uzbek ceramic and porcelain products are already conquering world markets.
– In traditional pottery, ceramics, porcelain vessels, tiles, and decorations are valued not only as household items, but also as works of art, as a reflection of aesthetic thinking. We must constantly study handmade examples witnessed for centuries in museums, ancient cities, and tourist sites and pass them on to future generations, further enriching patterns, colors, and designs, – says Belarusian art scholar Larisa Bisko. – Unfortunately, due to the introduction of modern technologies and intensive production equipment, Belarusian pottery is on the verge of decline. It is necessary to pay attention to the development of this type of craft, tourism, and related businesses. Conferences and festivals like these play an essential role in this.
The event will include an exhibition and sale of works by participants of the international forum, masterclasses by potters, a fashion show with the participation of domestic and foreign artists and designers, a culinary competition, and puppet shows.
The event program also included a roundtable discussion on “Potters and the Market Economy”, an award ceremony, and a press conference for the media.
