Modern Japanese architecture presented in Baku
By Nigar Orujova
An exhibition on contemporary Japanese architecture opened Thursday in the Azerbaijan National Museum of Art in Baku with organizational support of the Culture and Tourism Ministry and the Japanese embassy.
The exhibition, which lasts till February 20, presents achievements of Japanese architects and contributes for increasing understanding and acceptance of new architectural practices across the world.
The exhibition presents unique and bold solutions of Japanese architects, produced between 1996 and 2006, in an illustrative and modern manner, through large-scale photographs and architectural models.
The Japan Foundation, established in 1972, promotes Japanese culture through such projects across the globe.
The exhibition was initially presented in the Tokyo Museum of Photography and then took place in Brazil, Italy, Greece, USA, and Iran.
The exhibition aims to draw an accurate picture of Japan's architectural profession in the ten years during which it generated new forms of value through fine-tuned designs adapted to the evolving demands of the times.
The exhibits are divided into four thematic groups - City, Life, Culture, and Dwelling, which represent innovative and progressive architectural achievements. The exhibition also includes 17 thoroughly selected porcelain and ceramic works of art.
Visitors can view an 18th century dish, a decorative plate and a flower vase of the 19th century as well as a tea-set and an oval plate dating back to the early 20th century, which are drawing a particular interest of the viewers.
Numerous images representing Japanese architecture of the ten-year period were selected to show architecture as activity that expresses life of a certain period featuring technology, economy, culture, and presenting profound human imagination.
Japanese Ambassador to Azerbaijan Shusuke Watanabe, who attended the opening ceremony, stressed that the event is important for introducing Azerbaijanis to Japanese art and architecture.
Such events play an important role in strengthening political and cultural ties between the two countries, he said.
Watanabe noted that there are many beautiful architectural structures in Baku.
"I would like to present Azerbaijani architecture at an exhibition in Tokyo," Watanabe said.
Deputy Minister of Culture and Tourism Adalat Veliyev, for his part, noted that the exhibition is part of a series of art and architecture events held between the two countries.
According to Veliyev, one of the exhibition's peculiarities is showing Japanese art works preserved in the Azerbaijan National Museum of Art, which were highly appreciated by Japanese specialists.