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ARTIM PROJECT SPACE
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5 Kichik Gala str., Icheri Sheher,
Baku, Azerbaijan, AZ1001
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View map28 Feb - 02 Oct 20
YARAT Contemporary Art Space features “Drastic measures”, an exhibition by Elturan Mammadov at ARTIM Project Space.
“Drastic measures” is the first solo exhibition of multidisciplinary artist Elturan Mammadov. Drastic measures is a “provocation” that invites people to a dialogue or at least to a reaction. The title of the show is inspired by the standardized text of mass media. The artworks, which were made specifically for this exhibition, present two main themes focusing on local media and early marriage issues in Azerbaijan.
The subject of local TV programming as interrogated by the artist encompasses a broad range of undercurrents and speaks about absurdism, dreams, realities/illusions and the values of the current epoch that we are witnessing. Capitalism, which cannot exist without expansion, has a large consumer market targeted through mass media. Television and media, which are integral parts of this production structure, present consumption in the form of a “virtual” product that is positive and easy to comprehend. Based on these assumptions, Elturan strongly criticizes the structure of kitsch culture, explaining the process of consumption through major television programs – news, sports, weather forecasting, and entertainment. Using local identity as the lens through which he examines these ideas, the artist offers a different perspective on popular TV programs. By doing so, he uncovers the hedonistic lifestyle that has been developed in consumer society through media imagery.
Commenting on early marriages in Azerbaijan, Elturan draws attention to the problem in a simple and engaging (through an example of local media), as well as thought-provoking way. Behind the straightforward imagery is the grotesque and critical approach typical for the artist. The artist, who narrates the issue of early marriage in the form of a naive childhood trilogy, explains the culmination of the problem through progressive stages. The official statistics of cases of real suicide highlighted by the artist are indisputable proof of the scale and horror of the problem.
Elturan Mammadov (b.1990, Oguz) is a representative of the new generation of contemporary artists in Azerbaijan. His artistic career began with photography. The artist’s practice also includes video, installation and sound mediums, and is closely informed by research and observation. Elturan’s subjects based in local culture and his direct aesthetic approach produce thought-provoking social messages. He enjoys the absurdities of society and shows its blissfulness.
Elturan Mammadov was a participant of local and international exhibitions: IV Moscow Biennale for Young Art (2014), Candy Mountains and Oil Coasts (Perm, 2015), 300 Words on Resistance (Baku, 2016), Neither War, nor Peace (Baku, 2017), Tbilisi Photo Festival (2019).
Curator of the exhibition is Farah Alakbarli.
Research: Zahra Mammadova, Kenan Hujatzadeh
Opening: February 28, 2020
Time: 7 pm
Exhibition duration: February 28 – October 2, 2020
Location: ARTIM Project Space
Address: 5, Kichik Qala str., Icheri Sheher
Free admission