Bridging NJ and NYC’s Art Scene

A hidden gem in NJ with the energy of the NYC art world, OQO Gallery is a space for serious collectors and art connoisseurs. Showcasing a carefully curated selection of American and European artists—both emerging and established—OQO offers a unique setting where artists refine their voices, and patrons discover fresh perspectives in contemporary art.

Gallery Hours:

• Monday:        4:00 PM – 7:30 PM
• Tuesday:        4:00 PM – 7:00 PM
• Wednesday: 4:00 PM – 10:00 PM
• Thursday:     4:00 PM – 7:30 PM
• Friday:           4:00 PM – 7:00 PM
• Saturday:      10:00 AM – 2:30 PM
• Sunday:         Closed
• BY APPOINTMENT

If the gallery doors are closed during these hours, please enter through the Master Art Studio door on the right.

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PAST EXHIBITIONS

Journey through time, The Ancient Silk Road Unveiled

ONLY 4–6 PM on Monday, December 2, 2024.
Don’t miss out on seeing incredible artwork and meet the Master!

• Meet the true Master Artist of Persian miniature Davlat Toshev
• Discover the Silk Road impact on Western Civilization

The Silk Road, an ancient network of trade routes established during China’s Han Dynasty (206 BCE–220 CE), served as a conduit for commerce and cultural exchange between the East and West. This extensive network facilitated the movement of goods, ideas, and artistic traditions across continents.

Davlat Toshev: Master of Persian Miniature Art

Davlat Toshev, a distinguished artist from Bukhara, Uzbekistan, hails from a lineage of miniature painters spanning seven generations. Trained by his father in both calligraphy and miniature painting, Toshev has dedicated his life to preserving and advancing the Persian miniature tradition. His work often draws inspiration from classical literature and poetry, and he employs both ancient and newly handmade papers to create his intricate pieces. Toshev’s contributions have been showcased internationally, highlighting the enduring appeal of this meticulous art form.

The Silk Road’s Impact on Western Civilization

Beyond the exchange of goods like silk, spices, and precious metals, the Silk Road was instrumental in the dissemination of religions, technologies, and artistic styles. Buddhism, for instance, traveled from India to China along these routes. Technological innovations such as papermaking and gunpowder also made their way to the West via the Silk Road. This extensive exchange fostered a rich tapestry of cultural interactions that significantly influenced the development of Western civilization.

In summary, the Silk Road was not merely a trade network but a bridge that connected diverse cultures, facilitating a profound exchange of art, religion, and technology. Artists like Davlat Toshev continue to embody this legacy, preserving and enriching the artistic traditions that have traversed these historic routes.

About the artist

Toshev Davlat Boronovich was born in 1975 in the city of Bukhara, Bukhara region. He spent his childhood years as a miniature painter in rural life . Davlatbek, born into a working-class family, attended school 11 in the Bukhara district from 1982 to 1992. During the years 1992-1996, he apprenticed under the renowned master B. Handayev, a young miniature painter in Namangan city, where he learned the art of miniature painting and traditional techniques. He began his own independent creative work in 1997.

Davlat Toshev participated in various international exhibitions and symposiums, including the “Central Asian Artists” exhibition in Almaty, Kazakhstan from 2001 to 2003; the “Uzbek Miniature” exhibition in Paris, France in 2005; the “Uzbekistan Days” exhibition in Bonn, Germany in 2006; the “Marché de L’art de Noël” event in Tournon, France; the “Traditional Miniature” exhibition in Lyon, France in 2008; the “Miniature Art” exhibition in Grenoble, France in 2008; the “Uzbek Miniature Art” exhibition in Luxembourg in 2009; the “Santa Fe” exhibition in Santa Fe, USA in 2009; the “Bukhara Miniature School” exhibition in Sion, Switzerland, and Marseille, France in 2010; the “Aquarells” exhibition in Paris, France in 2011; the “Luxembourg Art Week” in Luxembourg in 2014; and his personal exhibition in Lognes, France in 2017.

In 2019, in France, Davlat Toshev founded the “Master-Apprentice” practical art center for children. Currently, the center teaches miniature painting, calligraphy, book restoration techniques, and ancient book conservation.

In a short period of time, many international competitions have been won by students from the very center. In 2023, Davlat Toshev’s personal exhibition took place at the Louvre Museum in France. In 2022, he participated in the 42nd International “Gannat Festival” in France and won the first prize. In 2023, he participated in the International Festival in Kokand, Uzbekistan, and proudly won the second place. In February 2023, he had personal exhibitions in Germany, and in April 2023, in Russia. In October 2023, he participated in the 25th session of the UNESCO General Assembly in Samarkand. Until now , Davlat Toshev is engaged in the restoration of miniature art books.

Art of Miniature

Miniature (from French “miniature” and Latin “minium” – red lead) refers to small-scale representations. Throughout many centuries, miniature art has developed and proudly occupied its place in the world history of art. In the 20th and 21st centuries, Uzbek artists and craftsmen created numerous precious works that captivated people with their imaginative style and meticulous execution, reflecting the ancient history and cultural richness of the Uzbek people. They have earned a well-deserved place in the treasury of world art.

However, the most distinctive feature of miniature art is its depiction of colors, which has contributed to the cultural heritage of the Uzbek people from different periods and civilizations.

Central Asian miniature art is one of the intriguing pages of the long-standing history of the Eastern Muslim peoples. It represents a unique type of pictorial art, resembling manuscript illumination and developed under the influence of the sophisticated East poetry.

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The Winter Collective: A Holiday Art Exhibition at OQO Gallery
On view through November 25

Experience the season through the eyes of some of the most compelling contemporary artists from New Jersey and New York at The Winter Collective, a vibrant holiday showcase presented in collaboration with Master Art Studio. This exclusive group exhibition invites art lovers and collectors to connect with works that reflect the spirit of the season and the dynamic creativity of our local art scene.

Featured artists include Irene Cohen, Varvara Agabekova, Zack Farber, Marina Katsnelson, Anatoly Chernishov, Tea Toidze, Riham Elsadany, and Sasha Robinson. Each artist brings a unique perspective, weaving a diverse tapestry of styles and themes. Whether you’re an established collector or discovering art for the first time, The Winter Collective offers an intimate setting to explore and acquire original pieces crafted by the finest talent from NJ and NY.

✨ Highlights of The Winter Collective: ✨

• Engage with Art: A thoughtfully curated selection of contemporary works perfect for collectors looking to expand their collections.
• Atmosphere of Community: A space designed to foster meaningful connections with art and fellow enthusiasts.

Don’t miss this opportunity to celebrate art, community, and seasonal inspiration at OQO Gallery.

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Annual ARTober exhibit at Master Art Studio Gallery in Ridgewood, NJ.

With over thirty artists represented, ranging from high school age to adult, our ARTober Committee chose works of art that provide visual impact and reflect the passion and skill of each talented artist. We invite you to view our online preview gallery and encourage you to visit the full exhibit in person at Master Art Studio, located at 215 Chestnut Street, Ridgewood, NJ.

The ARTober exhibit is free and open for public view from October 4 – 28, 2024, Mon 4-7:30pm, Tues 4-7pm, Wed 4-10pm, Thurs 4-7:30pm, Fri 4-7pm and Sat 10am-2:30pm. We truly hope that you enjoy ARTober!

CLICK LINK HERE TO GO TO RAF WEBSITE FOR MORE INFORMATION