26 Jun - 10 Aug 14
The title of the exhibition seems to refer to the space and heroism, and sounds as an echo of per aspera ad astra. However, astar means 'lining' in Azerbaijani – this notion is rarely used in the critique and theory of contemporary art. 'Lining' (the same title is given to one of the works on display) seems the most appropriate word to comprehend the creation of the new generation of artists from Baku. It is exactly the lining, the basis that these artists are searching for, reflecting upon the surrounding reality and its underlying cultural contexts. An interest in the essence, the lining of the events gives rise to the semantic versatility and intimacy of most part of the works by this generation. The artists participating in the exhibition are visionaries and eyewitnesses.
They don't judge but eagerly study the world they are in. They care less about the issues of national identity or close integration with European culture (which are so important for Azerbaijani artists of the previous generation) than their personal freedom and possibility of speaking out, unbound by the requirements of 'corporate ethics' or 'political correctness.' It is through this prism of freedom that they assess everyday communal life, Soviet legacy, traditional culture, and the long and fascinating history of their country – in all of this they are looking for hidden meanings, reasons, and the 'lining' of things. This is why the works by these artists are at once analytical and dreamy – imagination helps better than deduction in penetrating beyond the 'lining of reality.'