Toprak Ana (Mother Earth) by Chinghiz Aitmatov

Artwork by Vimalkumar Tharani Kumar

MOTHER EARTH – TOPARK ANA

Chinghiz Torekulovich Aitmatov, a renowned Kyrgyz writer, primarily penned his works in Russian but also proficiently expressed himself in Kyrgyz. He stands as one of the most prominent and revered figures in the literature of Kyrgyzstan. The devastating tragedy of Tolgonai, a humble Kyrgyz woman, unfolded during the Great Patriotic War as she lost her husband and three beloved sons. The war ruthlessly claimed the lives of those most cherished and intimate to Tolgonai, leaving her heartbroken and bereft.

As a Girl:

Tolgonai, as a young girl, grew up in a remote village nestled in the embrace of nature. Her days were spent wandering through lush meadows, listening to the gentle whispers of the wind through the trees, and feeling the soft earth beneath her bare feet. She'd often sit by the riverbank, enchanted by the rhythmic flow of water and the symphony of birdsong. During sunset, she'd climb to a hilltop, feeling the earth's warmth seep into her being as she watched the sun dip below the horizon.

As a Mother:

Tolgonai became a mother, passing down her deep reverence for nature to her children. She taught them to plant seeds, nurturing each sapling with care and love. Together, they cultivated a bountiful garden, their hands intertwining with the soil as they worked harmoniously with the earth. Tolgonai shared stories of Mother Earth, instilling in her children a profound respect for the natural world and the interconnectedness of all living beings. Her home was always filled with the aroma of freshly baked bread made from grains grown in their fields.

As an Old, Alone Woman:

In her later years, Tolgonai found herself alone, her children grown and living their own lives in distant places. Yet, even in solitude, she remained deeply connected to Mother Earth. She spent her days walking through the woods, reminiscing about her youth and the memories she had woven into the fabric of nature. She found solace in the embrace of the land, feeling the earth's heartbeat beneath her weathered feet. Tolgonai would sit by the fire, telling stories to the stars, feeling the warmth of the earth supporting her.

Throughout Tolgonai's life, from girlhood to motherhood and into old age, the presence of Mother Earth was a constant companion—a source of wisdom, solace, and eternal connection. Her bond with the land transcended time, guiding and nurturing her through each phase of her remarkable journey.

THEME – FACE LESS. Theme explores the absence of facial features in artistic representations, focusing on conveying emotions, stories, or concepts without depicting traditional facial characteristics.