A licence to create: Inspired carpets and religious brushstrokes shine at Baku Art Weekend
Transforming a carpet into contemporary art and replacing a painter’s brush with a syringe. Just a few insights into how an art weekend offered new methods of artistic licence to creatives gathering in Baku.
The Baku Art Weekend showcased a diverse range of artistic expressions, from carpets to religious brushstrokes, and photograph's ability to capture both beauty and destruction. Azerbaijani artists drew inspiration from their homeland's rich natural heritage and iconic landmarks, while international artists experimented with unconventional techniques.
Nature featured prominently, with Azerbaijani artist Farid Rasulov reimagining traditional Karabakh carpets as modern art, and sculptor Aydan Salahova creating works inspired by the Maiden Tower. Sculptor Aydan Salahova also explored themes of choice and freedom in her installation. Meanwhile, Chinese artist Zhang Ji used syringes instead of brushes to paint, drawing on religious architecture and the symbolism of different civilisations.
Dutch-Canadian artist Ryan Koopmans presented digital images of abandoned buildings reclaimed by nature, highlighting the cyclical nature of time. Photographer Ori Gersht used his camera to reveal the beauty and destruction in fleeting moments, emphasizing the interconnectedness of these two forces. Filmmaker Harriet Pratten focused on wildlife conservation, showcasing the Caucasian leopard in a documentary called Europe's Last Leopard.
The event also served as a platform for international engagement, with auctioneer and art curator Simon de Pury sharing insights into the global art market. Overall, the Baku Art Weekend demonstrated the power of art to inspire, provoke thought, and foster cross-cultural dialogue.
Written by urgent.news from Euronews's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
