The “Kuknar” International Art Exhibition, a new project by the Heydar Aliyev Center, opened, December 21.

Vice-president of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation Leyla Aliyeva attended the ceremony, and viewed New Year X-Mass trees of 2014 - decorated with completely different style - within the “Kuknar” International Art Contest .

Addressing the ceremony, Director of the Heydar Aliyev Center Anar Alakbarov talked of the event’s significance. He said: “ The “Kuknar” International Art Contest had been announced for artists both from Azerbaijan and foreign countries.”  Presented to the contest, 18 modern art works have been displayed at the Heydar Aliyev Center’s park.

Anar Alakbarov thanked Vice-president of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation Leyla Aliyeva, who has provided support to the project. He announced one more project by the Heydar Aliyev Center. It was brought to attention that a modern art festival called “Samani” (malt) will be held on the eve of the Novruz Bayram. During this festival, our artists will present their works at the Heydar Aliyev Center’s park.

Chairperson of the Azerbaijan Artists Union, People’s Artist Farhad Khalilov thanked the managements of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation and the Heydar Aliyev Center for holding such an exhibition and contest on the eve of the New Year, and expressed a hope number of such event will grow.

Then names of the winners were announced. Faraj Rahmanov took the first place, Novruz Mammadov the second place, and Jamiddin Murtuzaliyev the third place. They were presented diplomas and money.

Held on the eve of the new year, objective of this project was to contribute to the development of culture and art in Azerbaijan, and to create a festive mood in Baku.

X-Mass trees, each being over three metres high, with unusual form, have been made, based on sketches by artists and sculptors, during  an art contest, which lasted for about two months. Made from different heat- and cold-resistant materials, these trees have been designed and decorated by artists.

Winners of the contest were determined based on a vote conducted among the participants of the ceremony organized at the Heydar Aliyev Center’s park.

The “Kuknar” International Art Exhibition will continue until March 1, 2014.