YARAT CENTRE: DANGER CLEARED – NO MINES GROUP EXHIBITION

07 Dec - 27 Apr 24

YARAT Contemporary Art Space presents the group exhibition “Danger Cleared: No Mines” showcasing the works of six accomplished Azerbaijani artists.

VIRTUAL TOUR

Exhibition opening: December 7, 2023 at 7pm

The parallel opening program: Performance art by Vusal Rahim and Khanlar Gasimov

Location: YARAT Contemporary Art Centre

This diverse exhibition intertwines performances, video installations, and graphic artworks specially commissioned by YARAT, featuring the talents of Khanlar Gasimov, Orkhan Huseynov, Elturan Mammadov, Kamilla Muradova, Vusal Rahim, and Sabina Shikhlinskaya. The artworks delve profoundly into core cultural, social, and environmental issues, centering around the poignant theme of post-conflict peace.

Upon entering the exhibition, “Danger Cleared: No Mines” immediately envelops visitors in an evocative representation of a minefield – an artistic testament to Khanlar Gasimov's vision. Gasimov, an Azerbaijani artist based in New York, embodies the concept of “placing individuals in unexpected situations”. His work navigates themes of historical memory, land heritage, and cultural legacies. Simultaneously, Sabina Shikhlinskaya's video installation delves into cultural genocide (ethnocide) while advocating for a “secure future”, employing the illustrative example of Karabakh Khan's Palace. Complementing this theme, multidisciplinary artist Orkhan Huseynov illuminates demined areas through space photography, shedding light on extensive security concerns within ecological and social contexts.

Elturan Mammadov's video installation, deeply rooted in local characteristics, reflects post-event social responses. Vusal Rahim, through his performance, emphasizes a future that is secure, vibrant, and environmentally sustainable. Additionally, a series of graphics inspired by Kamilla Muradova's personal story dissects stereotypical thoughts entrenched in collective memory, contributing depth and completeness to the exhibition.

The exhibition narrates the story of a society that has faced the harrowing realities of war and emerged resilient. Its aim is to underscore that the quest for peace is not just a collective aspiration but an attainable reality. Through personal narratives, research insights, and historical artifacts, the exhibition emphasizes the crucial roles of reconciliation, cooperation, and empathy in reshaping history and fostering a future free from violence.

P.S. The occupation of Armenia has led to the proliferation of landmines, posing a significant threat in Azerbaijan. Presently, our country stands among the most heavily landmine-contaminated nations globally. Since November 2020, over 300 Azerbaijani citizens have tragically lost their lives or suffered severe injuries due to these mines, constituting a form of terrorism. This acts in direct violation of fundamental legal norms and casts a shadow over the earnest desire for peace. Despite the cessation of hostilities, the majority of these deadly mines were manufactured after 2020. Mining stands not only as a crime against humanity but also operates as a mechanism that harms ecology and jeopardizes our cultural heritage.

The exhibition is curated by Farah Alakbarli.

Notes to editors:

Exhibition: Danger Cleared: No Mines, group exhibition

Location: YARAT Contemporary Art Centre (National Flag Square)

Dates: June 8 – October 22, 2023

Exhibition opens: Tuesday through Sunday, 12.00 – 20.00

ABOUT ARTISTS:

Orxan Huseynov (b. 1978, Baku) graduated from the Department of Ceramic Design at the Azerbaijan State School of Arts named after A. Azimzade in 1995. Additionally, in 1999, he completed the Bachelor's in Ceramic Design at the Azerbaijan State University of Culture and Arts, and in 2000, he earned a Master's from the Faculty of Art History and Theory at the Azerbaijan State Academy of Arts.Huseynov's artistic experience encompasses a spectrum of mediums, including painting, installation, video, and other media. The central theme of his creativity is a focus on Azerbaijan's folk traditions and history. Culture, art, daily life, monuments, and traditional games hold a special place in his works. In recent years, the artist has produced numerous pieces using artificial intelligence. The works of Orxan Huseynov have been exhibited internationally, including in Turkey, Georgia, Serbia, the Czech Republic, Russia, France, Germany, Denmark, Poland, Sweden, UAE, and United Kingdom. Notable exhibitions include “The Seventh Solitude” (YARAT Centre, Baku, 2023); “Metacode” (The Museum of Azerbaijani Painting of the XX-XXI Centuries, Baku, 2022); “Essad Bey's Ordeal” (Shirvanshah's Palace, Baku, 2022); “Extensions.AZ: Off the velvet chest” (Triumph Gallery, Moscow, 2019; “The Watchers” (The Shelley & Donald Rubin Foundation, New York, 2019); “Bahith (seeker)” (Gazelli Art House, London, 2019); “Dear Beloved” (YARAT Centre, Baku, 2017), and many more. In 2014, he was a resident at the Delfina Foundation in London.

Elturan Mammadov (b. 1990, Oghuz) stands as a representative of the contemporary generation of Azerbaijani artists. His artistic journey commenced with photography, evolving into a multifaceted exploration of national culture and an inquiry into the individual's position within diverse societal events. Venturing into the realms of video, installation, and sound, the artist delves into themes of local mentality and social environment. The artist has participated in many local and foreign exhibitions: “Sovereignty Reimagined” (Maenad Collective, New York, 2023); “Delicate Observations” (Saatli; Ismayilli, Azerbaijan, 2023); “A Hunger Artist” (Goethe-Zentrum, Baku, 2023); “The war in Ukraine: spaces of solidarity, spaces of anti-imperialism” (A.D.A. Pulawska, Poland, 2022); “Behind the scenes of the empire”(Centrum Kultury Zamek, Poland, 2022); “Foreword. Ten words” (YARAT Centre, Baku, 2021); “Things we sense about each other” (Baden Art Association, Germany, 2021); Tbilisi Photo Festival (MoMA, 2019); “Neither War, Nor Peace” (ARTIM, Baku, 2017); “Between the Sea and the Mountains” (YAY Gallery, Baku, 2017); “300 Words on Resistance” (YARAT Centre, Baku, 2016); “To Be Surprised, To Surprise” (ARTIM, Baku, 2016); “Candy Mountains, Oil Shores” (Perm, 2015).

Vusal Rahim (b. 1987, Ganja) obtained his bachelor's degree in “Theatre-decor art” from the Azerbaijan State Art Academy between 2007 and 2011. Initiating his independent creative journey in 2011, Rahim has concurrently served as a stage designer for numerous plays across various theaters in the country since the same year. Since October 2021, he holds the position of chief artist at the Azerbaijan State Academic Musical Theater. In his role as an artist, Rahim delves into the analysis of social expectations and gender roles, using his works to illuminate hidden facets within the depths of cultural memory. His creative endeavours have extended beyond national borders, with participation in group exhibitions held in Azerbaijan, Georgia, France, Turkey, the USA, and Russia. Notable exhibitions include “Pink-Black” (The Museum of Azerbaijani Painting of the XX-XXI Centuries, Baku, 2023); “O”, (Baku Museum of Modern Art, 2022); “Foreword. Ten words” (YARAT Centre, Baku, 2021); “Nurcan” solo exhibition (ARTIM, Baku, 2018); “You Don't Understand Me” (ARTIM, Baku, 2017); “Candy Mountains, Oil Coasts” (Perm, 2015), among others.

Khanlar Gasimov (b.1964, Baku) is a multidisciplinary artist with a background in sculpture. He graduated from the Azimzade School of Painting and the Azerbaijan State and Culture University. Currently residing in the United States, Gasimov imparts his artistic knowledge as a teacher at Paier College of Art in Connecticut. Gasimov's artistic exploration centres on the impact and forms of art on human consciousness. He delves into the processes through which art can expand human understanding. His body of work has been featured in group exhibitions across the globe, including Russia, Canada, Switzerland, Poland, Norway, Great Britain, and the United States. Notable exhibitions include “Critical and Poetic Thought” (Quinnipiac University, USA, 2012); “Bodhi” (Gazelli Art House, London, 2012); “Under Influence” (Phillips auction house, London, 2012); “Gold Giveaway”, social project (New York, 2012); Venice Biennale (2011). Beyond exhibitions, Gasimov has left his artistic imprint on public spaces. He is the creator of statues honoring Boston writers, athletes from the XXVI Summer Olympic Games, several U.S. political figures, and the monumental “Heart” sculpture in the Azerbaijan corner of the Cleveland Cultural Park. His works find homes in prestigious institutions such as the Mashantucket Pequot Museum and Madame Tussauds Museum, as well as private collections in New York, Toronto, London, Moscow, Geneva, and Antwerp. In recent years, Khanlar Gasimov has dedicated his efforts to global environmental projects.

Sabina Shikhlinskaya (b.1962, Baku) is an artist and independent curator. In the early 1980s, she pursued studies at the “Monumental” faculty of the Leningrad Higher Art-Industrial School named after V. I. Mukhina. Unfortunately, she could not complete her education due to the restrictive influence of the Soviet ideological system on artistic creativity. In 1988, Shikhlinskaya successfully graduated from the Azerbaijan State University of Arts and Culture. Best recognized for her early modernist creations, Sabina transitioned to conceptual modern art in the 1990s. Her artistic journey is marked by active participation in various exhibitions, including “A Hunger Artist” (Goethe-Zentrum, Baku, 2023); “5ta Bienal de Montevideo” (Uruguay, 2023); “Fog of War” (Goethe-Zentrum, Almaty, 2023; Tbilisi, 2023; Baku, 2022); “Le Biennale Invisible”, an online exhibition, (2020); “Dangerous Red” solo exhibition (Casa delle Letterature, Rome, Italy, 2016); “Memory and Continuity” (Pera Museum as part of the Pumas Kabakçı Collection, Turkey, 2016). Since 1993, Shikhlinskaya has taken on the role of curator for over 80 exhibitions and projects on both Azerbaijani and international platforms. In 2007, she curated Azerbaijan's 1st pavilion at the 52nd Venice Art Biennale.

Visual artist Kamilla Muradova (b.1978, Baku), embarked on her artistic journey with a degree in mechanical engineering from the National Aviation Academy in 2000. In 2022, she further honed her artistic skills, graduating from the “Painting" faculty of the Higher School of the Russian Modern Art in Moscow. Kamilla Muradova's artistic repertoire spans modern painting, encompassing various genres and forms of graphics. Currently, she imparts her knowledge and passion for painting within the international program at the Modern Education Complex named after Heydar Aliyev. Muradova's diverse body of work, exploring a range of subjects, finds a home in private collections, attesting to the resonance of her artistic expression. A dynamic participant in numerous exhibitions and festivals, Muradova has left her mark on the global art scene. Noteworthy events include the “Autograph 2” (Baku, 2023); “Fantasia” festival (International Mugham Centre, 2022); the Symposium dedicated to Nizami Ganjavi (Zira Eco Park, 2021); “Simurg” music festival (Baku, 2021); “Karabakh is Azerbaijan!” (Azerbaijan State Academic Philharmonic, 2020); “Great Britain through the eyes of Azerbaijani artists” (Baku, 2019); “The Netherlands through the eyes of Azerbaijani artists” (Baku, 2018); “Switzerland through the eyes of Azerbaijani artists” (Baku, 2018), among others.