{
  "id": 17980454,
  "title": "A licence to create: Inspired carpets and religious brushstrokes shine at Baku Art Weekend",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/03/a-licence-to-create-inspired-carpets-and-religious-brushstrokes-shine",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-11-03T15:23:18.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Euronews",
    "slug": "euronews",
    "url": "https://www.euronews.com/2026/11/03/a-licence-to-create-inspired-carpets-and-religious-brushstrokes-shine-at-baku-art-weekend"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "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.\n\nNature 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.\n\nDutch-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.\n\nThe 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.",
  "summary": "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.",
  "key_points": [
    "Azerbaijani artists drew inspiration from homeland's natural heritage",
    "International artists experimented with unconventional techniques",
    "Chinese artist Zhang Ji painted using syringes instead of brushes"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}