2004 Press Releases

U.S. Embassy Commemorates September 11 Events with an Art Exhibition

Sept. 10, 2004

Today, an exhibition dedicated to commemorating the 3rd anniversary of the events of September 11, 2001 was opened in Ashgabat. The exhibition, jointly organized by the U.S. Embassy in Turkmenistan and the Ministry of Culture and TV and Radio Broadcasting of Turkmenistan, features paintings and sculptures, a photo show, a slide show and film showings. Representatives from the Government of Turkmenistan, diplomatic missions, international organizations and Turkmenistan's cultural community attended the opening ceremony of the exhibition. The exhibit is on display at the Exhibition Hall of the Union of Artists of Turkmenistan and is open from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. every day until September 25.

"The art works that our two countries chose to display in this two-week exhibition represent some of the most important principles of humanity - courage and triumph over adversity", United States Charge d'Affaires Jennifer Brush said, addressing the guests in Turkmen. "Each different form of art will engage you in a unique conversation about the values that unite us all across cultural and linguistic differences".

Over 100 art works have been lent by local artists, museums and the Ministry of Culture to this exhibition. Some of the works displayed portray the grief of tragedy, while others depict the strength of the human spirit in the face of suffering caused by war and terrorism, or natural disaster, such as the 1948 earthquake that rocked Ashgabat.

The U.S. Department of State and other American Embassies throughout the world are also commemorating the 3rd anniversary of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. President George Bush, Secretary of State Colin Powell and other Secretaries will deliver addresses dedicated to the commemoration. During the third commemoration of September 11 the American Government and people will focus on the future and rebuilding of structures and lives.