(MENAFN- AzerNews)
Laman Ismayilova read more The Land of Fire boasts a rich culture and mesmerizing
landscapes, waiting to be explored by art enthusiasts.
Exploring Azerbaijan's rich cultural legacy through the
exhibition "Heritage Trails" can be an incredibly immersive
experience for everyone, who strives to experience a unique
national flavor and identity.
In her interview with azernews , acclaimed painter Reyhan
Osmanli provided insight into the wonderful world of Azerbaijani
fine art.
Q: What was the main purpose of exhibition?
A: Azerbaijan's national leader Heydar Aliyev
once said that people should always remember their roots. This
phrase has come to be used as the motto for the exhibition
"Heritage Trails" timed to the 100th anniversary of the birth of
National Leader Heydar Aliyev. The art project aims to preserve
Azerbaijani culture and history and pass them on to future
generations. It took more than a year to organize the exhibition.
Through the art project, we conveyed national culture and
traditions to young people in a modern way. The exhibition was
organized by Art Studio & Gallery Turan, headed by well-known
artist Turan Mukhtarzade. She is the one who came up with the idea
for the exhibition. Note that Turan Mukhtarzade was a student of
World-famous artist Sakit Mammadov. Now she shares the secrets of
fine art with her students from Azerbaijan, Turkiye, Israel, the
United States, Mexico and other countries. The exposition included
40 art works by 28 young artists, who reflected the Azerbaijani
culture, history, customs and traditions in various art styles.
Q: Which of your paintings were on display in the
exhibition?
A: Within the "Heritage Trails" exhibition, I
demonstrated my paintings "Mugham", "Karabakh Shikastasi" and
"Absheron Memories". Especially for this exhibition, I finished my
art work "Mugham". I started working on this painting at the
beginning of the last year. However, the idea of the painting came
up 2-3 years ago. Finally, I сhose the main character of the
painting, who was People's Artist Mansum Ibrahimov. Many artists
turn to the theme of mugham music. But I wanted to create something
original and completely different. So, I decided to depict Mansum
Ibrahimov's performance in Jabrayil, on the background of
Khudafarin Bridges. The art work also demonstrates Azerbaijani
carpet, a a kind of Azerbaijan's calling card. The painting is
somewhat different from the original scene. Instead of the autumn
season, I depicted spring and also changed some details of
costumes. The First Lady of Azerbaijan Mehriban Aliyeva once said:
"Mugham is the symbol of love and beauty. We- Azerbaijanis are
rightly proud of our native mughams."
Through my painting, I demonstrate mugham music in all its
beauty. I would be eternally glad if my art work would enter the
history of the Azerbaijani fine art. As for my painting "Absheron
Memories", I depicted on it a plate of lemons floating in the pool.
This painting is inspired by my childhood memories. Within the
exhibition, I also presented my art work "Evil Eye". The painting
depicts charms used to ward off the evil eye.
Q: What can you say about other art works showcased as
part of the exhibition?
A: From portraits to still life and landscapes,
the exhibition "Heritage Trails" was distinguished by a variety of
art styles. Many paintings were inspired by the breathtaking nature
of the Azerbaijani regions in the spring season. As you know, lots
of artists, musicians and poets are charmed by the awakening of
nature. In their art pieces, the artists brilliantly depicted all
the beauty of Mount Kapaz, Maralgol Lake as well as decorative art
objects. Through their art pieces, they illustrated the history of
the jewelry in Azerbaijan, showing how they have changed over
time.
Q: What was the highlight of the event?
A: Turan Mukhtarzade's painting "Around the
oven" is striking in its scale and grandeur. The painting depicts
women, who gather around tandoor oven. As we know, bread is a
symbol of abundance. We all remember how our mothers and
grandmothers baked mouthwatering bread in tandoor oven.
Fortunately, this tradition has survived to this day. Rich in
colors, the painting seems like it breathes with heat. Every woman
in the picture is in action. The picture once again proves that a
woman has great strength and power. From time immemorial,
Azerbaijani women gathered to bake a bread in tandoor for their
families. Filled with such strong energy, this painting left no one
indifferent. I would also like to note Nurana Babayeva's portrait
"South Pearl", which shows a woman with an ancient headscarf. This
wonderful painting shows the tradition of head covering, common in
the southern regions. There is also a cradle on the portrait, which
symbolises the continuity of generations.
Q: What kind of feedback have you been getting from art
lovers?
A: Dozens of people flocked to the Carpet
Museum to view the exhibition. The art lovers enthusiastically
viewed the exhibits. Among the guests were public and cultural
figures, including the Turkish artist Devrim Erbil. His personal
exhibition was recently held at Heydar Aliyev Center. Positive
feedback gave artists an impetus to create new masterpieces. I
think that the exhibition "Heritage Trails" is timeless as it
reflects national values and eternal love for the motherland.
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