Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) – From 27 to 30 June, within the framework of the World Youth Festival, the world’s first unique charity exhibition-auction Orzu was held, attracting over 3,000 visitors, including international guests from Russia, the USA, Türkiye, China, Australia, South Korea, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Kuwait, France, and Germany.

The exhibition featured 20 unique paintings created by artificial intelligence based on impressions from blind and visually impaired children. The concept of the exhibition-auction amazed guests, showcasing the synthesis of AI and human creativity.

Mohammad Albawardi, a medical student and laureate of the Abdulaziz Al Saud Medal from Saudi Arabia, stated: "Initially, artificial intelligence was perceived as a threat to art, but here it is shown in an incredibly positive light, demonstrating how AI can be beneficial both for artists and for blind children."

He also emphasized the importance of the exhibition’s charitable purpose: "Your exhibition is unique; it inspires and touches because it shows the world of blind children, their imagination, and dreams. The outcome of the exhibition will be a noble cause — the funds will be used for eye surgery for children. This is a great cause, and I am confident that all the paintings will be sold."

During the exhibition, psychologists and journalists verified the paintings created with the stories of the children, and after their approval, the works were transferred to artists at the Sharm studio who embodied them on canvas.

One guest from the USA remarked: "This exhibition makes us reconsider the boundaries of what is possible, showing how technology and human creativity can interact harmoniously. Paintings created based on children’s dreams reveal tremendous power of imagination and the ability to overcome any barriers. I am an English teacher and learned about the exhibition through social media. I decided to visit it with friends and was deeply touched that all proceeds from the sale of paintings will go to operations for children. It’s a wonderful initiative that inspires and shows that anything is possible."

On 29 June, an auction was held where all the paintings were successfully sold. In total, 151.4 million soms were raised. The price range for the paintings varied from 4 million to 20 million soms.

The most expensive lot was the painting "Lost Tale," purchased by a guest from China, Yi Zhou. The artwork depicts high mountains and waterfalls, symbolizing friendship and the eternal flow of time.

Yi Zhou commented: "Artificial intelligence, creating such works, connects us with the depths of human imagination and the dreams of those who do not see the world with our eyes. I bought this painting, despite the high price, because it symbolizes not only friendship but also generosity, which permeates the purpose of this exhibition — restoring sight to children, giving them the opportunity to see the beauty of the world."

Director of BMB Holding Mahmud Asamov also participated in the auction and bought two paintings, donating 15 million soms. He remarked: "Even if these paintings had cost 20 million soms each, I would still have bought them because they are not just brushstrokes. These paintings reflect the dreams and aspirations of children who cannot see the world in all its colors. They are priceless." Asamov added that he is a pediatric surgeon and has operated on many children throughout his career, making this cause close to his heart.

Nika Kurdiani, Executive Director of TBC Bank in Uzbekistan, purchased a painting for 13 million soms, making it the second-largest donation at the auction.

All funds raised from the charity auction were directed to the account of the Mehirli Qo’llar charitable foundation. They will be used for examinations and eye surgeries for children.