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Inauguration of the exhibition “Constellation of Stars”, comprised of works by contemporary Chinese artists, took place at the Heydar Aliyev Center, November 6.

Vice-president of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation Leyla Aliyeva and Arzu Aliyeva attended the opening ceremony.

The event started by national dances performed by a Chinese dance group.

Addressing the opening ceremony, Director of the Heydar Aliyev Center Anar Alakbarov talked about the projects the Center has traditionally been implementing, noting that this time’s project is dedicated to China’s contemporary art. Thanking everyone who has contributed to the realization of this project, in particular, China’s ambassador to Azerbaijan Mr. Wei Jinghua and employees of the embassy, A.Alakbarov said up to 40 works by 20 artists and sculptors are presented at the exhibition. He said: “Every work displayed at the exhibition is distinguished for its uniqueness. We had long been thinking of introducing a Chinese art to our guests at the Heydar Aliyev Center. Finally, we are given this opportunity.” Inviting collector John Dodeland and the exhibition’s curator Ami Barak onto the scene, A. Alakbarov brought to attention that the Heydar Aliyev Center has intention of realizing a number of projects with this young collector in future.

John Dodeland, expressing delight in visiting the Heydar Aliyev Center and speaking at this magnificent place, said: “This building is distinguished all over the world for its growing prestige not only in terms of architecture, but also the quality of exhibitions taking place here. For several years, I have been supporting new generation Chinese artists. I am grateful for being here and presenting this exhibition. These artists are among the most talented and advanced artists of their time. They brought their own view of the world to the strong field of avant garde works, distinguished for amazing art style, a kind of call on to the previous generation. This is an overly unique step.”

Bringing to attention that he has been having special cooperation with curator of the exhibition Ami Barak, the collector also underscored that it is possible to bring many people together around the same feeling associated with the art without frontiers. “In terms of the Silk Road’s long history, this connection between the Heydar Aliyev Center and young artists is indeed important, as completely new Silk Road is being built at a place where old traditions meet contemporaneity. I’m hopeful you will highly appreciate the exhibition “Constellation of Stars”, where works by young artists are displayed, and each artist participating here is part and parcel of that constellation of stars. Saying the constellation of stars, I mean these young people, who are poised to be great starts of the art world. They are going to become a part of the global movement by their strength and view of the world”, - said John Dodeland. He emphasized that through this exhibition, the foundation of a number of forms of cooperation will be laid between Shanghai, Beijing and Baku. The collector expressed a hope that he will have a chance to invite Azerbaijani artists to China, thanking for the organization of the exhibition.

The project’s curator Ami Barak, who has been the organizer of a number of exhibitions in France and other countries, speaking at the ceremony, expressed the feeling of gratitude for being at the Heydar Aliyev Center. Noting that the exhibition had previously been displayed in Tbilisi, the curator said: “We had wished to bring this exhibition to Baku. Finally, our dream came true today. This is a mobile exhibition, which means that we will be moving forward in this direction. Actually, this exhibition is a part of our big project. When it comes to any commercial relations, it is not merely about the trade of goods or commodities, there also takes place an exchange of cultures. In the framework of this exhibition, we are presenting works by extremely talented artists with rich knowledge and skills. They are those artists who are distinguished for their talent, with their own place on the international arena, strengthening their positions day in and day out. We are taking pride in displaying their works here.”

The exhibition “Constellation of Stars” gives a chance to get to know the Chinese art and new shades in this country’s culture.

Then, the guests familiarized themselves with the exhibition.

The exposition will last till the 1^st of February 2018 at the Heydar Aliyev Center.