Experience multinational Bukhara within the walls of St Petersburg University

The exhibition was inaugurated by Ekaterina Stanyukovich-Denisova, Head of the Diaghilev Museum of Contemporary Art at St Petersburg University. In her remarks, she highlighted that the exhibition offers a unique perspective from two generations of outstanding photographers — the father and son duo, the Boltaevs — on life in Bukhara, a vibrant, multinational city in Central Asia.

Bukhara is a historic city in Uzbekistan, an ancient trading centre on the Great Silk Road — a network of routes that once connected the East and the West.

"For the first time in St Petersburg, we have the opportunity to view such a vast collection of unique artworks by photographers who studied and captured different ethno-confessional communities of Bukhara," said Ekaterina Stanyukovich-Denisova. "The projects initiated by the father and son Boltaevs have gained worldwide recognition, and now we have the chance to explore them in the University’s Exhibition Hall."

Darya Bogdanovskaya, curator of the exhibition, Deputy Head of the Department and Chief Curator of the Diaghilev Museum of Contemporary Art at St Petersburg University, emphasised the significance of hosting such an international project within the walls of St Petersburg University. She revealed that the concept for the project, which has been two years in the making, was inspired during a visit to Bukhara — an ancient city in Central Asia renowned for its rich cultural heritage and the convergence of numerous cultures and religions.

In 2021, a branch of St Petersburg University was established in Tashkent, following a decree signed by the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev.

"That trip profoundly altered my perspective on Central Asia and its culture," shared Darya Bogdanovskaya. "We had the pleasure of meeting photographer Behzod Boltaev, who warmly welcomed us into his family home. In their ancient residence, nestled in the heart of Bukhara, his father Shavkat Boltaev established a renowned art guesthouse — a hub that attracts creative individuals from across the globe."

The videos featured in the exhibition vividly capture the atmosphere of both the historic house and Bukhara itself, immersing viewers in the vibrant life of Uzbekistan.

The exhibition presented in the Exhibition Hall of St Petersburg University was created as part of the cooperation agreement between Russia and Uzbekistan. The University’s partners in this project were the Consulate of the Republic of Uzbekistan in St Petersburg and the House of Jewish Culture YESOD.

Serge Lis Eliseev, a member of the St Petersburg Union of Artists, drew visitors’ attention to the deceptive simplicity in the photographers’ work. "Many people ask, 'What’s the big deal? I can click a camera too,'" the artist remarked. "But this ease is deceptive. In the Boltaevs’ photography, subjects do not pose; true masters must capture those fleeting, golden moments to create successful shots. For instance, the photo featured on the exhibition booklet’s cover was taken during a film shoot, seemingly by chance. In reality, out of a thousand moments, Shavkat Boltaev selected the one that resulted in a masterpiece. This is how a photographer becomes a world-class master."