Azat Minnekaev

Today, I invite you to join me on a journey of discovery of a Tatar artist Azat Minnekaev. Born in 1958 in Ufa, Azat's life unfolded through a range of experiences — from serving as a scenographer in the Bashkort Puppet Theater to painting landscapes for a cathedral in Alaska.

Did you know that Early Native Americans are thought to have crossed into the Americas across the Beringia land bridge from modern-day Siberia? Certain modern Indigenous Siberians are closely related to the Indigenous peoples of the Americas, with whom they share a common origin.

Azat Minnekaev’s artistic journey was greatly influenced by his grandmother, who introduced him to the traditional Tatar craft of kəfenlek sewing, leading him to discover shared cultural elements between his own Tatar heritage and other indigenous peoples he encountered, such as the Chukchi and Aleuts.

Minnekaev's fascination with the peoples of Eastern Siberia stems from their detachment from civilization and their close relationship with nature. He appreciates their harmonious coexistence with the environment and the organic integration of religions into shamanism.

His acquaintance with the cultures of Khakassia and Tyva further deepened his understanding of Tatar culture. He found similarities between the Tatars and the Khakass people, pointing out the latter's self-designation "Tadar," reminiscent of "Tatar." Understanding the Tyvans was more challenging due to their Mongolian traits. Overall, his experiences in Siberia helped him comprehend aspects of Tatar culture that he hadn't grasped before. He believed in the interconnectedness of all Turkic peoples.

For Azat, the canvas was a shamanic drum, and the brush was his drumstick. Rejecting frames, he believed they confine the energy of his creations. His graphic works span from sketches to illustrations for books like Qol Ğali’s "Qıyssa-i Yosıf" and the Tatar epic "İdegəy."

Azat Minnekaev's art goes beyond boundaries, inviting viewers to explore ancient cultures, mystical landscapes, and the spiritual essence of the Turkic and other indigenous peoples.