Azernews.Az

An exhibition on Azerbaijani contemporary art organized by Heydar Aliyev Foundation and the English language version of Baku magazine opened in London on Tuesday.

Azerbaijan’s First Lady, President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, Mehriban Aliyeva, and Vice-President of the Foundation, Leyla Aliyeva, attended the "Fly to Baku: Contemporary Art from Azerbaijan" exhibition.

The idea to conduct the event, held in Phillips de Pury & Company art gallery, belongs to Leyla Aliyeva. It is coordinated by well-known art consultant Herve Mikaeloff.

Addressing the opening, Simon de Pury, chairman of Phillips de Pury & Company, pointed out the importance of the exhibition. He thanked the Heydar Aliyev Foundation for its support in organizing the exhibition and hailed UNESCO and ISESCO Goodwill Ambassador, First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva and Foundation Vice-President Leyla Aliyeva’s efforts to popularize Azerbaijani art and culture.

Leyla Aliyeva underlined that dynamism and creativity which the exhibition features reflect upon a large part of the developments ongoing in Azerbaijan. Azerbaijan currently experiences unprecedented changes in modern art, she said.

Aliyeva said that last year Azerbaijan marked the 20th anniversary of its independence.

She stressed that for the first time in the history of the Muslim Orient, female suffrage was recognized in Azerbaijan in 1918, the first school for Muslim girls was built here in 1901, and first opera and ballet of the Orient was performed in Azerbaijan.

"As the winner of Eurovision-2011 we are looking forward to hosting the next contest in our country," Aliyeva said. "But Baku is not celebrating only a musical victory. You can witness the rapid development [of the city] while walking the streets of Baku."

"Art is a sphere of my interest. And it has always been a great pleasure for me to analyze modern art. That's why I'm excited to be a part of this exhibition. I am proud of the fact that works by 21 Azerbaijani artists are displayed at the exhibition," she said.

Mikaeloff, curator of the exhibition, said Azerbaijan has deep historical roots and such events help popularize the country.

The exhibition also features a number of works by Leyla Aliyeva which are of great interest among participants. Her illustrations of fairy tales will be published in Russian and English in a book titled "Biri var idi, biri yox idi" ("Once Upon a Time").

Works by young artist Aida Mahmudova also attracted the attention of the visitors.

Attendees were also presented the latest edition of the English language version of the Baku magazine.

Similar exhibitions will be held in Berlin, Paris, Rome, New York, Moscow, Baku and other cities.