ARTISTIC PLEASURES

Aydan MAMMADOVA has a Master's degree and is a member of the Union of Artists of Azerbaijan. She's a bright representative of modern Azerbaijani art. Her paintings combine the cosiness of Azerbaijani colours with the rhythms of bright modern art. Mammadova's collection includes more than a hundred works that have been exhibited in different parts of the world. Apart from the usual paints, she also uses oil and even coffee in her paintings, hence the genuine public interest in the young artist's works. After all, she is not afraid to try herself in completely different genres and directions. Aydan Mammadova has so far participated in many exhibitions, including annual youth exhibitions held at the Union of Artists. Since her student years, her works have been part of the exhibitions organised by the embassies of France, Germany and the Museum Centre under the Ministry of Culture of Azerbaijan. She has also worked and exhibited her paintings in leading galleries of Istanbul, Paris, St Petersburg, Dubai, etc.

"Aidan, what is an image on canvas?"

"Your question implies a very profound reasoning. After all, we are not talking about a simple print applied onto a suitable fabric and framed, right? It is absolutely wrong to call such a thing a piece of art. It is a pure element of design. A real painting on canvas will never be used as something to cover a hole on your wallpaper! Even when it is put on the wall, it remains a work of art. Perhaps that is how a real painting creates a special atmosphere in the house, being a vivid embodiment of the palette of emotions behind a genuine work of art, in which the artist puts a part of himself and his heart. So one should be intelligent enough to make a distinction between a soulless print and something created by the soul, even on canvas. It should convey an idea, a message, an appeal from the artist. Something that will make you think and, perhaps, rethink the reality..."

"Your portfolio includes a wide variety of subjects. But many of them have the elements of the sea."

"Oh, this my favourite theme! Perhaps you will also agree that it is impossible to live in Azerbaijan without soaking up the flavours of the Caspian! Every year, even before my student years, I liked painting the Caspian live, capturing its character in different seasons. I like to see it coming to life in all views: calm smoothness and diamond scattering of splashes, stormy squall testing the granite of coastal rocks. I have a special relationship with the sea. I remember when one day a gust of wind blew the picture that I was making on the shore into the sea. I still remember how we were trying to fish it out, struggling with the resistance of the Caspian! Still, I try to spend my holidays where I can watch the water surface. There is nothing better than painting on canvas on the sea shore! It is next to the sea that I feel that crazy freedom, when I am absolutely confident that I can look beyond the horizon. The sea is a completely unique object for an artist, if you will. Yet I am not a classical marinist! For me, painting the sea means engaging in a dialogue with someone very special. I simply adore these mood swings, expressed in the storms that crown the waves. The latter have so many different shapes that one will never be able to repeat himself by putting them on canvas! I always want to fit the taste of the sea into every canvas on the sea. Perhaps that's the reason I strongly believe that my aspirations will come true only by the sea..."

"Is this the reason you chose this theme again in Cyprus, where you have been invited? And how did you end up in Northern Cyprus?"

"I wish you saw how mesmerising the Mediterranean looks like in October, especially in Cyprus. When I received an invitation to join the International Symposium as a delegate from Azerbaijan, I did not doubt for a moment what kind of works I would create during that period. Our hotel was located in one of the most amazing places of Cyprus—in Dipkarpaz, Famagusta, the tip of the island. It's a national reserve, also known as the lost paradise for its lush nature. As soon as you realise that you are standing right where the island cuts into the sea,  it is such a breathtaking experience that you want to fly. I will never forget this outdoor experience! The rocks and the waves beating against them were a song born out of this magic of natural sounds. The choice of the venue for the symposium was intentional, as if emphasising the uniqueness of Northern Cyprus. Artists from different countries, each in their own way and through their own feelings, depicted the surrounding triumph of nature onto the canvas. During the whole week of the symposium, I painted two works that I left to the organisers. It was an unforgettable week, as I had a chance to meet and communicate with artists from Albania, Belarus, Russia, Ukraine, and other countries. Thanks to special routes selected by the organisers, we visited magnificent locations screaming out for putting them on canvas. That's what we did whenever we had a chance to stop by for a while."

"But we can often see pomegranate in your works as well."

"Because it is an invariable symbol of Azerbaijan, same as the sea! By the way, in Cyprus I also included it in the storyline of my work. For me, the pomegranate will always have a sacred essence. That is my vision I always put in my works when depicting pomegranates. I return to them regularly, trying to perfect their symbolism, which is far from the classical image. Especially when representing Azerbaijan, I could not help but leave a piece of this symbolism on Cypriot soil. I apologise for shameless plug, but both the participants and organisers of the symposium noted that the composition where I could combine the pomegranate, the sea and the hospitable Cypriot land was filled with a plethora of colours. I really wanted to convey the audience, even being far away from Azerbaijan, the rich colours of our land, which are in abundance in Famagusta as well. For me it is a pleasure to look for harmonious variation of pomegranate. I really enjoyed to hear from professionals that I was able to portray it in a new perspective, a new look represented by the depth of colours."

"You were awarded a diploma and a medal of UNESCO..."

"That was at another international symposium in Rome, where I was invited in April. It was not a simple event, as it was attended by artists from all over the world. It was also an incredible journey through Italy. When I visited the Iberian Peninsula, I realised why Italy is associated with the names that make the world culture. It couldn't have happened otherwise! The Italian air itself is screaming for creativity. Here you can touch time. Italy is a symbol of historical eras that view the current bustle through the eyes of architectural and artistic monuments of the past. It brings back memories of the distant past, while the Colosseum makes one simply bow before the aspiration of its creators. I remember when I saw its power, even in its present form, I felt as if looking at our Maiden Tower. It is true that it is younger than the Colosseum, but is no less amazing if you regard it not only as a monument. Two symbols, equal in significance, seem to have merged into a single message—only true art is eternal. That is why I linked them together through a pomegranate, the grains of which are like blood turning into precious rubies. By placing the pomegranate in the foreground of the painting, I decided to unite the ancient history of two civilisations - the West and the East - under the eternal symbol of wealth and fertility."

"By the way, we know that you also like painting clothes."

"This is separate experience for me. At the beginning of our conversation, we talked about painting on canvas. By and large, creativity does not tolerate limitations. It is common to consider paper, cardboard and canvas to be the only tools used by artists. Yet, thousands of years ago the Chinese painted on silk, creating unique patterns for outfits or special scrolls. But I wasn't really interested in this direction. Much more attractive was the idea of giving individuality and uniqueness to a person. Painting on denim and cotton, trainers and bags... Each of them is a new artistic work, where everything is different despite the seeming similarities. No matter how hard I try, even today, even as an artist, I cannot repeat the chosen print exactly. In the past ten years, I have been involved in various collaborations, including with the Heydar Aliyev Centre, Soroka Concept Store, Baku Book Centre, Ilove Baku, Fashion Week. I create exclusive merch for Alpaca Azerbaijan. In this role, I can create not only unique images, but also refer to world masterpieces of great and recognised artists. After all, we all imitate or copy famous paintings before we develop our signature style. So through my own brand, I enjoy giving people a chance to wear such pieces in everyday life. By the way, I wore my own work when I took part in the exhibition in Miami, FL organised by the embassy of Azerbaijan. For that event, I wore a suit with a print of my painting, which was presented in the exposition. So for me, painting on clothes is a chance to gradually develop the artistic taste of those who wear these clothes and of passers-bys. It is kind of an exhibition in motion..."

"You actively use the social media. Do digital platforms go along with painting?"

"Of course they do! The possibilities are endless! Thanks to my social media accounts, I received invitations to various artistic events. The world, especially after the severe restrictions in 2020, has become more involved in the internet. I am interested in sharing events from my artistic life. By publishing videos and photos from numerous outdoor activities, I can present the beautiful nature from my travels, most importantly from Azerbaijan. I really want to say to the world how happy we are if we can change the climate within our borders, find ourselves high in the mountains, walk on flat plateaus, go deep into the forests, feel the breath of the desert. As an artist, I know that wherever I travel across the country, I will find a location that will be an inspiration for my future paints. Social media is also a chance to show the results of such travels or studio works. To some extent, I think of them as a constantly updated virtual personal exhibition, filled with my personal emotions, that is. Including far beyond the borders of Azerbaijan. After all, it is the promotion of Azerbaijani culture that encourages me to join various interesting international events, the organisers of which are increasingly turning to digital platforms. They provide a space to share unbiased opinions, which gives us, the artists, a chance to get an honest assessment of others' works, without bias and aggressively imposed opinions. Moreover, we live in the era of digital art, which is completely open for creativity, especially through various events. For example, I was asked to display my works in South Korea in November. So digital platforms go hand in hand with painting..."