Fora

My greatest muse is Absheron, a fiery spirit of the steppe by the Caspian Sea. The wind here never rests, and the sun shines mercilessly. This place profoundly influences my work. It speaks to me, revealing secrets and wisdom, which I translate onto the canvas. I also draw inspiration from artistic movements that emphasize emotion and our connection to nature.

London-based artist Ayan Aziz-Mammadova delves into the interplay of texture, self-expression, and perspective through her work in painting and mixed media. Fusing acrylics, pastels, and diverse materials to create dynamic visual illusions, the artist centers abstraction in her practice. Through textured layers and vibrant hues her art explores the complexities of femininity. Ayan views her artistic journey as an ongoing self-exploration, with color and form revealing personal and subjective insights.

In his work, Behruz Kuul places nature at the core, crafting imaginary spaces with vibrant palettes, instinctive brushstrokes, and rich impasto techniques. His compositions, simplified yet expressive, depict abstract landscapes where the natural world meets human traces - capturing the serene beauty of sunsets, the desolate solitude of isolated trees, or a lone house framed by the horizon.

Butunay Hagverdiyev explores the essence of everyday life and human nature through painting, sculpture, and digital media. Rooted in keen observation, his work transforms familiar scenes into visual narratives that preserve cultural and personal reflections. Rejecting conventional canons, he captures the depth of human behavior, imbuing ordinary moments with layered meaning. His artistic journey, spanning exhibitions from Baku to Venice and Cannes, is a continuous exploration of solitude, memory, and the cyclical nature of life.

Drawn to the contrasts between nature’s fluidity and the structured rhythm of urban life, Cesar Mammadov captures the essence of everyday life. Harbors, alleys, and cityscapes unfold on his canvas with the spontaneity of travel, each narrative shaped by light and movement. His journey through coastal towns and historic ports has deepened his symbolism, creating a dynamic tension between saturated hues and muted backgrounds, highlighting the overlooked.

Niyaz Najafov is a self-taught artist and a leading figure in contemporary Azerbaijani art. He primarily works with oil paint on unconventional surfaces, including canvases previously painted by anonymous artists. His unique approach to transforming found materials fosters a dialogue with the past, reinforcing his focus on transformation and rebirth. Growing up in Baku has profoundly influenced his color palette.

Regina Rzaeva’s work delves into the subconscious, the inner world, and the metaphorical perception of reality. Working primarily with traditional painting techniques, she explores the interaction between materials, particularly fabric, and canvas. The artist’s unique method involves the thin, vertical application of oil paint, inspired by the intricate work of carpet machines.

Shahnaz Aghayeva’s work is both deeply personal and politically resonant, challenging the male-dominated portrayal of women, particularly in Eastern societies. As a woman artist, she confronts the constraints imposed on female identity, shedding light on the unseen realities of women’s lives - shared experiences, inherited wounds, and intricate relationships.

Shalala Salamzadeh is an artist and multidisciplinary designer examining the intersection of art and technology. Central to her work are cultural archetypes and their transformation in the digital age. Utilizing generative art and data transformation, Salamzadeh investigates how myths and symbols adapt to the contemporary world, often revealing irony and hidden meanings.

Zohrab Salam-zadeh is an Azerbaijani artist whose work deeply connects to his cultural heritage and the theater, expressed through a contemporary lens. Each piece reflects his personal experiences and pays homage to the cultural codes that have shaped him, with meticulously researched costumes, figures, and intricate details showcasing his dedication to authenticity and narrative depth.