Fora

Using vibrant colors and experimental compositions that resonate on a broader scale, Agil Abdullayev plays with the fluidity between private and public spaces. Challenging conventional boundaries between these domains, the artist’s work merges intimate moments with universal themes. Through the transformation of private, internal experiences into shared visual languages, the artist creates spaces where individual histories of trauma, joy, and identity are made visible and present.

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.

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.

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.