Mehriban Aliyeva: 'The main aim of our activity is to popularize Azerbaijan, its rich culture and history' - UPDATE - PHOTOS

The "Fly to Baku: Contemporary Art from Azerbaijan" exhibition opened in Paris. The exhibition was organized and supported by the Heydar Aliyev Foundation and English version of the Baku magazine.

After acquaintance with exhibition, a reception in honor of the guests was given on behalf of Azerbaijan`s first lady Mehriban Aliyeva.

The French Culture and Communication Minister Frederic Mitterrand and Azerbaijan`s first lady Mehriban Aliyeva made speeches at the reception.

Speech by Frederic Mitterrand:

-Dear Mehriban Aliyeva!
-Dear gentlemen!
-Dear members of the Senate! Dear friends!

Mrs. Aliyeva, let me again welcome You here. I would like to stress participation of your daughter Leyla, who has played an important role in organization of this exhibition. In your person, we see an eminent personality of cultural life of Azerbaijan and friend of our country.

An exhibition “Pearls of France” held in Azerbaijan was very important for us. We know you have made a lot. Besides, the Museum of Modern Art in Baku also takes an active part in organization of the cultural events. We are aware of construction of the Museum of Carpet in Baku and sure it will become one of the world`s most wonderful museums.

The main aim of today`s exhibition “Fly to Baku” is to demonstrate works of the young artists. This exhibition is organized for the Paris public, who attach special interest to the art. On behalf of my colleagues and the government of France, I express my gratitude to You for supporting the exhibition.

Dear Mrs. Aliyeva, I take pride in your participation here. The singer Patricia Kaas and museum employees of France are also here. Chairman of the Council of Museums of France Mr. Croisel, who played an important role in organization of the exhibition the “Pearls of France” is also here. I want to specially stress the participation of Philip Kostamanian, who was a guide of the exhibition in Baku. Today, we may say about success of exhibition in Paris.

Dear Mrs. Aliyeva! You participate in all these events. I again thank You for your participation. Thank You.

Speech by Mehriban Aliyeva

- Dear Mr. Minister!
- Dear guests!

First of all, I welcome all of You and express my deep gratitude to You.

Mr. Minister, I extend my profound gratitude to You for your kind words about my activity and about Azerbaijan.

The organization of such exhibition in Paris, the capital of France, is a momentous event in cultural life of Azerbaijan. Paris is not only the capital of France but also the world`s cultural capital. This exhibition was first demonstrated in London. Today, it is being demonstrated in Paris. The exhibition will be also presented in other countries as well. I thank everybody, who made a great contribution to organization of this exhibition. I expressed my gratitude to You on behalf of the young gifted artists. I hope this exhibition will popularize rich cultural heritage of Azerbaijan in France. The main aim of our activity is to popularize Azerbaijan, its rich culture and history.

Today, the exhibition has opened. The exhibition will be demonstrated during two weeks in France and I believe it will arouse a great interest.

I again express my deep gratitude to You for your hospitality and attention.
I invite all of You to visit Azerbaijan. Thank You.

*****

13.04.12
 09:40

"Fly to Baku: Contemporary Art from Azerbaijan" exhibition has opened in Paris. The exhibition is organized and supported by the Heydar Aliyev Foundation and English version of Baku magazine.

Azerbaijan`s first lady, President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation Mehriban Aliyeva and Vice President of the Foundation Leyla Aliyeva, as well as French Culture and Communication Minister Frederic Mitterrand attended the opening ceremony.

The exhibition was first held in London. The exhibition, part of a series of events held by the Heydar Aliyev Foundation to popularize Azerbaijan worldwide, opened at Salomon de Rothschild residence.

Initiated by Leyla Aliyeva, the exhibition can be assessed as a successful presentation of the contemporary Azerbaijani art inspired by the junction of Eastern and Western cultures.

Addressing the opening ceremony, Vice President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation Leyla Aliyeva noted that the dynamism and creative spirit in the works showcased at the exhibition reflect most of the occurrences taking place in Azerbaijan. "My country is experiencing an unprecedented period of development, and this is vividly manifested in the contemporary art sphere," Leyla Aliyeva said.

Leyla Aliyeva briefed the participants on the works and painters involved in the exhibition: “It involves 21 Azerbaijani painters. Some of them are young and have just begun painting, and some of them are famous painters being long engaged in this work. We have here over 100 works – videos, installations, paintings, performances and photographs. An interesting point here is that the majority of these works has been created specifically for "Fly to Baku" exhibition and is showcased for the first time. We plan to hold this exhibition in entire Europe. We hope to hold it also in New York, and it will be finished in Baku.”

Curator of the exhibition Herve Mikaeloff stressed that the exhibition drew attention with its richness and the exhibited works were distinguished with their authenticity. "The Azerbaijani art has deep historical roots," Mikaeloff said, noting that such events helped to popularize the country even more. Mikaeloff thanked Azerbaijani first lady Mehriban Aliyeva and Vice President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation Leyla Aliyeva for exerting great efforts to organize the exhibition.

Then Azerbaijani first lady, President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation Mehriban Aliyeva, the Foundation`s Vice President Leyla Aliyeva and French Culture and Communication Minister Frederic Mitterrand viewed "Fly to Baku: Contemporary Art from Azerbaijan" exhibition.

Vice President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation Leyla Aliyeva was among the participants of the exhibitions. Her illustrations will be used in storybook "Biri var idi, biri yox" (Once upon a time) to be published in Russian and English languages in the future. Her paintings "Pomegranate", "Pomegranate tree", "Life continues" and other works have found a way to hearts of the participants with their authenticity.

A painting of young artist Aida Mahmudova also attracted the participants with its style. The author presents her past life, events and feelings in this work. Besides, the exhibition showcases works by Altay Sadigzade, Anvar Asgarov, Mirnadir Zeynalov, in general of 21 authors, created in different styles such as fine art, graphics, photography and video. Each of the works awakens interest with their authenticity and artistic style. These works of art encompassed by interesting and different vanguard ideas are showing peculiarity of the Azerbaijani art. The works manifesting original taste, interesting thought and gentle spirit also draw attention with unusual expression technologies.

The exhibition also showcases works by painters representing Azerbaijan at Venice Biennale, young painters living in foreign countries, as well as artists participating in high-profile international events.

The exhibition is planned to be held in Moscow, Berlin, Roma, New York and finally in Baku.
Following the opening ceremony Azerbaijani first lady, President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation Mehriban Aliyeva hosted a dinner in honor of the guests of the exhibition.
First lady Mehriban Aliyeva and French Culture and Communication Minister Frederic Mitterrand addressed the dinner.





/AzerTAc/