Born in Samarkand, Uzbekistan,  Natalya studied mathematics and physics (Bachelors degree) in Navoi Institute then received her Master’s in the same institute. When it came to deciding on her work life she realized she was not cut out for the traditional corporate world. Art was her passion. And so she changed course and studied art at the Imperial Academy of Art in Saint Petersburg. She went on to Christie’s Education London to excel in Art Business Access.

The stage was set for Natalya to venture into her own business and Andakulova Gallery was established in Dubai in 2012. Her gallery promotes Central Asia artists drawn from Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan. The gallery’s goal is to cultivate a dialogue between Central Asia and the Middle East by positioning the art of Central Asia into the artistic hub of the Middle East. Her collection includes an eclectic mix of modern and contemporary artworks.

Andakulova Gallery located in downtown DIFC has on display some 20-30 paintings in the range of US$ 5,000 – US$10,000. One of the artists currently being promoted by Natalya is the famous Saule Suleimenova. Saule creates artwork with plastic bags and her sustainable art form is a big draw.

Today, the gallery is known for its well-curated exhibitions, and diverse educational programs that include regular drawing workshops lead by local and guest artists. Natalya is ably supported in her gallery by the curator and academician, Nigora Akhmedova.

Natalya is also providing art to leading local real estate developers such as DAMAC and Dubai Properties for their various community projects.

I asked Natalya, how COVID had affected her business. She articulates with a smile that she saw a noticeable spike in business because people were spending more time at home and decided to invest in uplifting their mood and improving their ambiance.

While Natalya wears many hats, she also has found time to publish a book about the life of an artist -Bakhodir Jalal, ‘A line to Eternity’ with Skira Publications.

Natalya also organizes a series of art lectures at various art spaces in Dubai, namely The Opera Gallery, Al Serkal Cultural Foundation, and Jameel Arts Centre. Her next lecture is scheduled for 22 May at the newly opened SLS Hotel in Business Bay.

If you love art, make it a point to attend. See you there!

Penned by Sharad Agarwal