Video

On June 16, an inauguration of a private exhibition of George Condo, one of the well- known avant-garde artists of the present day, took place at the Heydar Aliyev Center. Also, an art composition called “I Love Baku” opened in the park before the Center.

Vice-president of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation Leyla Aliyeva acquainted herself with the art composition in the park.

“Speaking at the opening ceremony of the exhibition entitled “George Condo. Selection from a Private Collection”, Director of the Heydar Aliyev Center Anar Alakbarov brought to attention that a new project is being introduced at the Center. He thanked Leyla Aliyeva, who has led the organization of the exhibition at the Heydar Aliyev Center, curator of the project Simon de Pury, Andrea Caratsch, the owner of “Caratsch Gallery” and the George Condo collection being introduced. It was noted that the whole team has worked on the project for 2 years to realize it in Baku.

Leyla Aliyeva, speaking at the exhibition’s opening ceremony, welcomed the guests and said: “Today, we are participating in the opening of an exhibition consisting of works created by an artist who is distinguished in the United States for his multilateral and extravagant style. I am very delighted we are holding an exhibition of an artist, who I love in the world the most and am a fan of, here in such a nice space. As you know, the author of this building is Zaha Hadid, who has conquered unbelievable summits by her works. We have already arranged exhibitions of such talented artists as Andy Warhol, Richard Dickon, Bernard Buffet etc. at the Heydar Aliyev Center.”

Noting that she had discovered for herself works by George Condo 5 years ago for the first time, Leyla Aliyeva said from this very moment she has been a fan of the works created by the artist: “In all the works he has created, he has embodied very different styles, feelings that people experience, great life, emotions, and different feelings. One can see in these works both grieve, happiness and fear, anger, and feelings of friendship. It would be worth noting that George Condo does not, in general, work in one absolute style. While talking about his works, people often say that he has been using the styles of cubism and expressionism. However, while viewing his works, we see that these works reflect a series of shades. Harmony on the one hand and diversity, reality, human fantasy, various colours and, in general, moments of a magic world, on the other, are reflected in his works.

Dear friends, thank you for being with us this evening. We would like to thank everyone who has made contribution to the organization of the exhibition, particularly to Andrea Caratsch and the gallery headed by him. Taking this opportunity, I would like to thank mister Simon de Pury, one of my friends, and his spouse. In conclusion, I would like to say that one of my dreams comes true today in Baku. We are participating in the opening ceremony of an exhibition consisting of George Condo’s works. Thank you all for this. Thank you all very much. I wish you happiness, sound health and love.”

The exhibition’s curator Simon de Pury said he had been to a nice exhibition Leyla Aliyeva had organized in London one and a half year ago, together with his wife. “We met Leyla Aliyeva at this exhibition, with a topic of the environment and ecology. Among the works being displayed at the exhibition were also works by George Condo. While talking with Leyla Aliyeva, she said George Condo was one of her most beloved artists in the world, and we decided it would be a good idea to arrange an exhibition of George Condo’s works in Baku. We too are fans of George Condo.” It was emphasized that participating in today’s ceremony gives them a chance to become acquainted with works by other artists. Leyla Aliyeva too is an artist. She is a person very much associated with art. She is distinguished for her talent and love for fine arts.

Andrea Caratsch is the owner of a collection comprised of George Condo’s works in the world. He has created this collection for long years. The Heydar Aliyev Center is the most beautiful building created in the 21^st century. Zaha Hadid herself used to say this project was her best project throughout the whole period of her career. Baku is a city distinguished for its dynamic life. Various events are always held here. Baku is one of the cities producing great impression.

The guest said works by Azerbaijani artists of the 1960s, such as Javad Mirjavadov, Rasim Babayev and others, have been exhibited at the Venice Biennale with great success. At the exhibition at the Heydar Aliyev Center, similarity may be seen between the works by George Condo and those of Azerbaijani artists.

Simon de Pury thanked Leyla Aliyeva for the organization of the exhibition.

Then a ribbon symbolising the opening of the exhibition was cut and the guests became acquainted with the exhibition.

Over 70 works by the author, including samples of his paintings and sculptures, are displayed at the exhibition called “George Condo. Selection from a Private Collection”.

The exhibition will run until November 6 this year.