French artist’s expo on Khojaly genocide due in Baku

/By AzerNews/

By Amina Nazarli

The opening ceremony of an exhibition of famous French artist Renaud Vincent Baltzinger will be held at 19:00 at the Baku’s Natavan gallery on March 25.

The exhibition is dedicated to the 23rd anniversary of Khojali tragedy. The event has been organized by "Arts Council Azerbaijan", Azerbaijan Culture and Tourism Ministry, French Embassy in the country as well as Azerbaijani Embassy in France. Exhibition’s curator is Nurziya Khalilov.

There are numerous facts about different genocides in the world. Azerbaijan, unfortunately, is not exception. During the 20th century, Azerbaijani people went through the test twice. These tragic facts have been written by blood of brutally murdered defenseless women and children, in the history of our country.

The last genocide of Azerbaijani people has become one of the dramatic tragedies of the century. This tragedy has been also reflected in the creativity of Renaud. In his 21 works titled “Khojaly” he shows out tragedy to the world.

Renaud’s brother was a cultural adviser to the French Embassy in Azerbaijan. Once he asked his brother to study a folder which kept the story of Khojaly genocide in photos.

Reno remembers that day: “I felt all the trouble through the photos. In 2012 I decided to create my works on it. My brother familiarized me with Vazekh Askerov and Bayram Balchi, who helped me learn the history of Khojaly tragedy. My brother died and could not see the works. But, I promised him to feature “Khojaly” throughout the world. The exhibition in Baku is an important step. I promise Azerbaijani people that I will deal with this issue to the bitter end.”

The exhibition will last till March 29. The entrance is free for everyone.

In 1992, the town of Khojaly came under intense fire from the towns of Khankendi and Askeran already occupied by the Armenian armed forces. 613 civilians mostly women and children were killed in the massacre, and a total of 1,000 people were disabled. Eight families were exterminated, 25 children lost both parents, and 130 children lost one parent.

Moreover, 1,275 innocent people were taken hostage, the fate of 150 of them remains unknown. Many civilians were shot at close range, scalped or burned alive.