Azerbaijan, Baku, March 30 / Trend V.Imanov /
A presentation of the art project of artist Rashad Alakbarov "The close past", organized by the YARAT! nonprofit organization dedicated to the promotion of contemporary art of Azerbaijan was held on Friday in Baku, opposite the Republican gymnasium of Arts. Famous artists and public figures attended the event organized during 012 Baku Public Art Festival.
The art-project which is presented till September will be seen only at night, the artist said at the presentation.
Artist Rashad Alakbarov creates incredible pictures using play of light and shadow. "The close past" art-project represents the figure of Themis that is projected on a wall. Themis is an ancient Greek goddess and the embodiment of divine order, law, and custom. This work relates to particular events that took place at Yasamal settlement during the first years of the XX century. During this period it was a place where people from different regions were resettled. The local authorities couldn't manage to implement laws within these remote districts. The legitimacy and rule of law was kept by passionate groups of people who generated common laws amongst them. Despite the inefficiency of local officials to implement laws this settlement has its own laws that enabled them to maintain discipline.
Baladzharo-Derbendsky railroad line started operating in 1990 connected Southern Caucasus with Northern and other regions of the country. Railway passage through Hyzy-Bermeksky area created suitable conditions for agriculture to develop. Through this railway route the population of Hyzy-Bermeksky area traveled to Baku, Tbilisi, Moscow and other big cities. During this period of time Baku has transformed into a big city and became one of the largest industrial centers due to development of oil industry. People who have moved from Hyzy-Bermek settlement to Baku, being the main center of bourgeoisie, in order to improve their life standards faced major difficulties. These people have formed its upper part settlement "Dagly" in the west area of Baku occupying large territory and settling down between Chebmerkend and Hemsheri settlements. Being called "dagly", these people have glorified their harsh character. They resembled an unorganized fraternal society, by supporting each other, and participating in all ceremonies, followed by their written and unwritten laws.
The 012 Baku Public Art Festival will feature the work of twenty-one of the finest emerging and established artists in Azerbaijan. Each has been given the task of creating a visual reinterpretation of a setting that holds significance for them within the city. By bringing their work into the public sphere, the artists will gain creative freedom and will achieve a higher level of exposure without the constraints imposed by a gallery or museum.
Works of the following artists will be exhibited: Altai Sadikhzade, Aga Ousseinov, Fuad Salayev, Mammad Mustafayev, Huseyn Haqverdi, Mahmud Rastamov, Teymur Daimi, Niyaz Najafov, Mekhti Mammadov, Rashad Alakbarov, Ali Hasanov, Aida Mahmudova, Faig Ahmed, Farid Rasulov, Leyla Aliyeva, Sitara Ibrahimova, Rashad Babayev, Nail Alakbarov, Orkhan Huseynov, Nazrin Mammadova, Shargiya Rahmanli .
The participating artists belong mainly to a generation of young talent, who have observed the regeneration of Baku, and are passionate about promoting Contemporary Azeri art, whilst staying in touch with their rich cultural heritage.
As part of the 012 Baku Public Art Festival the award-winning film director Rufat Hasanov will be making a documentary to record the project from inception to completion. He will interact with each artist and follow the development of their work in the lead up to the Festival, culminating with the unveiling of the artworks. This film will be shown at the closing ceremony of the 012 Baku Public Art Festival.
Founded in 2011 by Aida Mahmudova, YARAT! is a non-commercial, private organisation dedicated to the promotion and nurturing of Azeri Contemporary art nationally and internationally.
