YARAT STUDIOS: RUH-RUH GROUP EXHIBITION

YARAT Contemporary Art Space is pleased to announce the first studio exhibition “Ruh Ruh” by ARTIM Lab participants and presentation of new YARAT residents at YARAT Studios.

ARTIM Lab participants: Yalchin Mammadov, Murad Akbarli, Rauf Ibadov, Gunel Axundlu, Leyla Gabulova, Aypara Salimova, Ramina Bocharova, Umay Abdullayeva, Fidan Humbatli, Ahmed Nabiyev, Aghababa Baghirov, Rena Bashirova, Ruslan Abbasov, Nurseli Mammadli.

The #1 studio exhibition features work by ARTIM Lab participants as final results of the workshop given by former YARAT resident Mandy Merzaban on creative constrains. She asked the participants to work with words of a specific poem by an Azerbaijani poet. Providing limited sources forced the artists to think more creatively and in effect, dedicating more energy to figuring out new ways to be more resourceful and problem solving.

The artists utilized the created text thoughtfully to make a statement becoming a vehicle of their artistic expression pushing letters and words as primary means of their message. The artists transformed their text in different medias such as installation, video works, photography, sound works and even video games, sometimes completely dissolving language and focusing on the sole visual translation of the written word.

Furthermore, the audience will have the chance to meet the new YARAT residents Katja Verheul (Netherlands), Ela Stefanac (Croatia), Agil Abdullayev (Azerbaijan), Diana Hajieva (Azerbaijan), Chinara Majidova (Azerbaijan) who will be presenting their portfolios.

YARAT Contemporary Art Space presents ARTIM Lab Project – a yearlong studio practice and workshops for people of 18-30 years old. A proven artistic practice or enrolment in an art school or academy is a requirement. The main goal is to give an opportunity to engage in contemporary forms of art through experimental practices, try out different media and artistic strategies, the capacity of verbalizing the idea of the work. YARAT provides shared studios throughout duration of the training program, consistent dialogue with YARAT’s curatorial team, extracurricular activities (meeting the artist and etc.), four 24-hour presentations and one final show at ARTIM Project Space. ARTIM Lab requires commitment investing in theory and knowledge through YARAT Academy and engage into daily studio practice, generate new ideas and produce new works.

YARAT Studios was conceived with a mission to create a platform for creative exchange and provide artists with working environment. The building comprises of eleven working studios which are used by Azerbaijani and visiting international artists. The studios also house YARAT Residency Program that invites international artists to stay and work in Baku for up to three months. Resulting shows are hosted by the ARTIM Project Space.

Date: May 24, 2019

Time: 7 pm – 9 pm

Venue: YARAT Studios

Address: 1061, Akademic Hasan Aliyev str.

Admission is free