Fairy world of Togrul Narimanbekov

/By AzerNews/

By Amina Nazarli

Historically, artists become famous either for their unique style or the character they exude in the world of art.

The decorative and festive works of Togrul Narimanbekov were built on colorful rhythm, inspired by the national traditions of Azerbaijan. One can describe Narimanbekov’s drawings as a fairy tale, inviting you to a far away wonderland.

The complexity of his paintings, which includes many small colorful elements, draws in viewers with their mystery. It is difficult to break away from his paintings without examining every detail.

Every time putting a brush in his hand, the painter saturated his pictures with energy and color, which carry one away to the paradise of colors and happiness.

Narimanbekov often worked within the realm of folklore. His works are very valuable, since they are unique in mixture of east and west.

One of the biggest achievements of the artist is his contribution to the creation of Azerbaijani classical painting, helping the country to define its cultural identity and originality.

The artistic language of the artist is so varied, colorful, and rich that it is difficult to definitely relate it to any creative flow. He described his works as a combination of abstract and figurative art.

Narimanbekov was an innovator. He was the first to use turnaround prospects in his pictures, which means enlarging the background and drawing it into the forefront.

With an undying love for his native country, paintings of his hometown of Baku made Narimanbekov’s works relatable. With great tenderness and trepidation, he drew the Old Town, Maiden Tower, and the lace minarets of ancient mosques.

His romantic floral painting, which was not limited to an illusory and false pathos, easily and naturally passed into panoramic murals.

The Pomegranate was a favorite theme in his paintings. Commenting on his passion for this unique fruit he said, “When I draw pomegranates, I feel like I’m drinking its juice. It revives, invigorates, and makes me proud,” he said.

Since childhood, the outstanding artist grew up in the best traditions of both European and Eastern etiquette.

His father, being a well-educated engineer who originated from ancient land of Azerbaijani Karabakh and his mother, a French couturier, instilled in him a love for high art.

From his childhood, Narimanbekov knew who he wanted to be. “I just felt a physical need to create. I could not live without painting and music, just as one cannot live without air,” he stressed.

His daughter Asmer Narimanbekova followed in her father’s footsteps to also become a successful artist.

Sharing her memories of father, she often talks about how the great painter used to create his magnificent works.

”He always listened to the music, while creating his works. He adored the classics, especially Italian vocal. Music always inspired and motivated him to implement his artistic ideas,” she said.

Most of the painter’s works are being kept both in museums in Azerbaijan, Russia, Europe, and America and in private collections.

Alongside his great talent to create on canvas, Narimanbekov also had a dramatic tenor voice, and from 1995 he became a professional vocalist. His 1996 concert in Baku Camera Music Hall accompanied by the Azerbaijan State Camera Orchestra after Gara Garayev was a great success.

Narimanbekov lived a rich and creative life that was full of experiences and managed to keep the utmost clarity of perception. He remained committed to his own principles of internal freedom, objectivity, and the independence of views.

The eminent artist died in 2013 at the age of 83, leaving behind an astounding long legacy in contemporary art.