Aida Mahmudova's exhibition "Beyond Functionality" opens within COP29

By Laman Ismayilova

YARAT Contemporary Art Space has opened an exhibition "Beyond Functionality" by Azerbaijani artist Aida Mahmudova within the framework of COP29.

The event also featured a one-day symposium on "Art and Climate Change".

The exhibition "Beyond Functionality" reflects Aida Mahmudova's artistic explorations aimed at deeply studying Azerbaijani cultural heritage. The artist draws inspiration from nature, constantly expressing its relief, biodiversity, and the magnificent beauty of climatic conditions in her creations. In recent years, she has created works utilizing various textured and differently composed natural materials.

In preparing the exhibition, Aida Mahmudova went beyond merely working in her studio, collaborating with local artists to add modern touches to traditional Azerbaijani art.

Her series of ceramic pieces titled "Beyond Functionality," created in 2024, delves into the depths of material and narrative, establishing a poetic connection between tradition and modernity while revisiting classic forms of pottery.

Drawing from her photo archive of Azerbaijani landscapes, Mahmudova depicts personal stories and memories through her series of works using the decal technique.

The symposium "Art and Climate Change" was dedicated to promoting art, climate awareness, and sustainable futures. This unique event was conceived and conceptualized by Aida Mahmudova.

The symposium consisted of four panel sessions where speakers from various foreign countries were invited to discuss different topics.

The panels focused on topics such as "Programming Ecological Agendas in Cultural Institutions," "Sustainability and the Art Market," "Key Presentation on Post-Socialist Anthropocene in Visual Art," and the presentation of a special issue of the "Vision Art Platform" journal.