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An exhibition entitled “Stars of Absheron. Azerbaijani Artists of 1960-1980s” opened in Moscow, November 14, at the Russian State Tretyakov Gallery.

Azerbaijan’s First Lady, President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation Mehriban Aliyeva attended the exhibition’s inauguration.

Being held with the joint support of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, the Ministry of Culture of the Russian Federation and “Marjani” Foundation, the exhibition’s exposition includes works preserved at the Tretyakov Gallery, the National Art Museum and the Modern Art Museum of Azerbaijan, and “Marjani” Foundation.

Over 50 works by 12 Azerbaijani artists – Nadir Abdurahmanov, Kamala Ahmadova, Rasim Babayev, Sattar Bahlulzadeh, Tofig Javadov, Javad Mirjavadov, Mir Nadir Zeynalov, Ashraf Murad, Toghrul Narimanbeyov, Tahir Salahov, Farhad Khalilov and Gayyur Yunus, and 11 sculptural works by Fazil Najafov are displayed at the exhibition.

The exhibition was opened by General Director of the Russian State Tretyakov Gallery Zelfira Tregulova. She, talking about the exhibition’s organization, said it was a very significant event in Moscow’s life. It was told that each of these works demonstrates the beauty of Absheron, and the charm of the Land of Fires. The general director of the Gallery noted, in addition, that Baku is also an interesting cultural centre. There are nice museums and modern centres of art. A flexible art environment is dominating in Baku.

Mehriban Aliyeva addressed the ceremony.

Deputy chairperson of the Russian Federation Government Olga Golodets, making a speech, thanked President Ilham Aliyev and First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva for the care and professional approach shown towards the Azerbaijani culture. She said: “I had occasion to visit Baku very recently. Baku is a modern, developing city, with its historical roots, cherishing historical traditions”. She, talking about the Russia-Azerbaijan relations, noted that these relations relied on ancient, centuries-long friendship, and are turned to future.

Deputy chairperson of the Russian Government, wishing successes to the exhibition, said: “In every work you are going to see at this exhibition, you will sense the warmth of Azerbaijan, its flavour, and its colours”.

Russian Culture Minister Vladimir Medinski thanked the Heydar Aliyev Foundation and “Marjani” Foundation for the organization of the exhibition. The minister noted that Absheron has special creative energetics. M.Medinski said: “Any human visiting this place becomes inspired to engage in creativity”.

President of “Marjani” Foundation Rustam Suleymanov expressed a hope that a great future is expecting the project “Stars of Absheron”. He mentioned that the fact that the exhibition is arranged at Tretyakov Gallery testifies to each of the works presented in this exposition having a quality label.

Best works by Azerbaijani artists preserved at the Tretyakov Gallery are included in the exhibition “Stars of Absheron”. Nevertheless, the exhibition could not have taken place without the cooperation between the Heydar Aliyev Foundation and “Marjani” Foundation that acted in the capacity of organizers.

Leader of “Absheron School” Javad Mirjavadov has combined, in his style, expression of characters, archaic simplicity, and brutality. Ashraf Murad distinguished himself for his selection of the topic and profound dramatic effect of the works. Industrial subject is reflected in the works of Rasim Babayev and Tofig Javadov. Sattar Bahlulzadeh had strong ties with Absheron – a world created in his works resembles a fairy tale. In the sculptural works of Fazil Najafov, the old Baku and characters, as if coming from the far past, revive. As material for these works, he used the local limestone of Absheron. Theatrical sketches of Tahir Salahov talks about one trait of his creativity.

Demonstrating the uniqueness of the Azerbaijani school, this exhibition shows also the significance of the Azerbaijani art, a part and parcel of the world’s artistic process.

The exhibition will continue until February 26, 2017.