Artist, community leader, and a man
of great stature, Yakov Kandinov once again takes the brush in his hand—not
only for painting, but for the future. His new initiative is free art classes
for children in New York. This continues the path he began more than three
decades ago in San Diego.
A year ago, New York hosted the
large-scale Week of Bukharian Jewish Culture and Art, initiated by
Rafael Nektalov, editor-in-chief of The Bukharian Times, and supported
by our organization Ester-a-Malka and Ladies’ World magazine. As
part of this festival, an exhibition of Bukharian artists was held, featuring
works by Yakov Kandinov, David Beknazarov, Abdurakhmon Ibragimov, and other
masters of the brush. Visitors were able to see the richness of our community’s
creativity and the variety of artistic styles and schools.
The program was designed to include
not only exhibitions and concerts but also educational elements. That is why,
during the festival, Rafael Nektalov asked Yakov Kandinov to give a children’s
master class. The children’s enthusiastic and inspired response became a
turning point: Kandinov realized it was time to revive his long-standing
practice of teaching and reopen his art studio—this time in New York.
For me, as an editor and longtime
friend of Yakov, this is not only joyful news—it is a true gift to our
community. Many years ago, Yakov was the leader of the Bukharian Jewish
community in San Diego, where 33 years ago he founded a children’s art studio.
To this day, his name is spoken there with gratitude. Later, he moved to Los
Angeles, and more recently to New York, where he continues his mission of
generosity and service.
Much has been written about Yakov
Kandinov’s art. His paintings grace museums and private collections, and his
monumental works are recognized both in Uzbekistan and in America. He is a
master of portraiture, with a profound ability to capture character and
destiny. I especially treasure the day Yakov surprised me with a portrait—painted
from a magazine cover photo of me—which he beautifully framed and gifted. This
gesture of kindness is characteristic of him: he often paints portraits of
friends and presents them as gifts, without thinking of financial reward.
But today, I want to focus not only
on his paintings, but on his calling as a teacher. Yakov himself says, “I
believe every child has talent. They only need help to discover it. My task is
to give a child a lit torch that will light their path toward creativity. For
me, this is not work or obligation—it is joy. When I see a child take a brush
for the first time and begin to create, it’s as if I discover the world anew”.
These words capture the essence of
his approach: he helps children open up, gain confidence, and find joy in the
encounter with art. His free classes are more than just drawing lessons. They
are encounters with beauty, lessons in honoring roots and spiritual values.
Yakov speaks to children in a way that makes them feel supported and valued,
helping them believe in their own abilities and gradually uncover the creator
within.
As Basya Malaeva so perfectly said
of Yakov: “You awaken in children His Majesty—Inspiration—allowing them to
look within and find happiness in the Temple of Art.” Indeed, Yakov not only
teaches; he awakens in children what they may not even know lies inside them.
Having known him for many years, I
can say with certainty: he is one of those rare people who live not for himself
but for others. In San Diego, he was not just the community’s leader - he was
its heart. He united people, supported newcomers, inspired the young, and
encouraged the elders. He was respected and loved for always being present,
always ready to lend a helping hand. And today, as he reopens his studio in New
York, I see that he remains the same generous, kind, and wise person. His
character, his leadership, and his willingness to serve others inspire my
deepest admiration and respect.
We live in a world where value is
too often measured in money. But there are people whose lives remind us that
true wealth lies in generosity of spirit. Yakov Kandinov is one of those
people. He gives children not just art lessons - he gives them a future filled
with light and hope.
On behalf of Ladies’ World
magazine and myself personally, I wish Yakov great success on this path. May
his noble work flourish, and may the children he teaches grow into worthy
carriers of the culture and art of our people.
Dr. Zoya Maksumova,
Editor-in-Chief of Ladies’ World
