9 February 2025

Sunday, 00:13

THE MAIN THING IS YET TO COME

Tahir Shikhaliyev: "There is no limit to perfection in art—each new day brings an opportunity to get closer to the dream."

Author:

01.02.2025

His artistic journey began in childhood—with his first tentative drawings, lovingly preserved by his parents to one day remind him of his first steps toward greatness. Tahir Shikhaliyev is an artist whose brush unites Azerbaijan’s rich traditions with modern forms of expression. Educated at the Azim Azimzade Art School (now the College of Arts under the Azerbaijan Academy of Arts) and later at the Tbilisi State Art Academy, he did more than just study—he laid the foundation for a unique artistic style.

Shikhaliyev's works are housed in private collections around the world, from the USA to Türkiye, from Germany to Georgia. The sun, the sea, and the ancient streets of Baku serve as an endless source of inspiration for his creativity.

"The most important thing," he says, "is to stay open to new ideas, to grow, and to truly enjoy what you do." This philosophy, combined with dedication and sincerity, makes his work so vibrant and unforgettable.

 

"There’s an old anecdote: A writer was once asked how he decided to start writing novels. He answered that he had always been good at writing essays in school. Now, seriously—where did your journey in visual arts begin?"

"My path to fine art was shaped by my uncle, Oqtay Yusif oghlu Shikhaliyev, a People's Artist of Azerbaijan. His monumental and decorative works, particularly mosaics, became an inseparable part of Baku’s and other cities’ landscapes. One of my most vivid childhood memories is visiting his workshop. I would watch in awe as he meticulously placed mosaic tiles, each fitting seamlessly into the whole.

"I once asked him, 'Why does each tile have its own place?' He smiled and replied, 'Art, like life, requires order—everything must be in its place.' His words resonated deeply with me. That was the first time I truly felt the magic of the creative process. Watching his work take shape, I realized he wasn’t merely assembling patterns; he was constructing entire worlds infused with meaning and beauty. That feeling inspired me to pick up a brush and try to express myself through painting. What began as childhood curiosity gradually transformed into a passion and, eventually, the essence of my life."

"Do artists need guiding figures—not necessarily idols, but reference points? Who did you look up to in your artistic journey? Was there a particular peak you aspired to reach?"

"Landmarks play a crucial role, especially at the beginning of one’s path. They are like stars in the night sky, helping you stay on course. When I was younger, I was drawn to the works of Rembrandt, Monet, Malevich, and other great masters. Each of them revealed something unique about art. Monet, for instance, fascinated me with his ability to capture light as if it were alive on the canvas. I remember spending hours trying to replicate his brushstrokes, trying to unravel that mystery.

"But over time, I realised that living in the shadow of past masters is limiting. My real guiding points expanded beyond museum walls. They became the flicker of light on water, the subtle expressions on people’s faces, fleeting emotions that vanish in an instant. These moments shaped my perception of the world and helped me find my own artistic voice."

"What is currently happening in your creative work?"

"My artistic process is an ongoing journey—an exploration of new forms and meanings. I experiment with textures, light, shadow, and colour in search of something new. My latest series is dedicated to memory, which I see not as a static archive of the past, but as something living and ever-changing.

"The idea for this series came to me when I discovered an old family photograph. It depicted my relatives, but time had blurred their faces, leaving only vague silhouettes. That moment made me reflect on how memories transform, fade, and lose clarity, yet never lose their significance. Each painting in this series is an attempt to capture that transformation—to preserve a fleeting moment before it disappears forever.

"Working on this project requires not just technical skill, but deep emotional engagement. It is a journey into the past, where each detail connects to something that has already become part of history yet continues to live within us."

"Does the cultural environment one grows up in help artists, or is true talent independent of surroundings? Can external influences stifle individuality?"

"The cultural environment is the foundation upon which creativity is built. I was born and raised in Azerbaijan, a country with a rich history and deep artistic traditions. Folklore, architecture, music—all of this shaped my world-view and inspired me from an early age.

"However, simply being in a cultural environment does not make one a true artist. There are many individuals I call 'graphomaniacs'—people who are well-educated and steeped in art but whose work lacks genuine depth and emotional resonance. This is where skill differs from true talent. A real artist is someone who not only perceives beauty but conveys it in a way that stirs the soul, evokes thought, and elicits feeling.

"Individuality is what distinguishes talent from mere craftsmanship. I consider myself fortunate to have retained my unique voice, despite growing up in an environment where it would have been easy to blend into established artistic norms. Art is a dialogue with the world, and in that dialogue, authenticity is crucial."

"Where does Azerbaijani painting begin for you?"

"For me, Azerbaijani painting begins with colour. It is more than a combination of shades—it is a language through which artists express life and soul. Each Azerbaijani painting seems to breathe, inviting the viewer into its world.

"But beyond the beauty of colour lies deeper meaning. I remember the first time I saw Sattar Bahlulzade's work. His landscapes were not mere depictions of nature; they told stories, like music frozen on canvas. Every line, every stroke conveyed emotion. Inspired by his work, I once attempted to create a landscape that spoke to the viewer. It proved incredibly challenging—capturing the spirit of nature requires more than technical skill; it demands a profound understanding of its essence.

"Azerbaijani painting is more than just art—it is the voice of our land, our people, and our history. It conveys what words often cannot, bridging generations through colour, light, and emotion."

"If we look at the history of painting, different eras have been defined by specific artistic movements: classicism, impressionism, cubism, avant-garde. How would you characterise the current era?"

"Today's era is one of endless fusion. The boundaries between styles and genres are becoming increasingly blurred, and artists are embracing experimentation, blending traditional art with modern technology. I remember attending an exhibition where I saw a piece created using augmented reality—it was a completely new experience that made me reflect on how technology is reshaping both our perception of art and its very essence.

"We are living in an era of exploration, where experimentation and discovery turn the creative process into an exhilarating journey. The old rules no longer confine us—there is only the freedom to express oneself. But with that freedom comes a challenge: how does one avoid getting lost in the vast chaos of possibilities? How does an artist remain true to their identity and sincerity? Mastering new forms is not enough; the real challenge is striking a balance between innovation and authenticity. Art remains a dialogue with the world, and in this exchange, preserving one's artistic truth is paramount."

"How would you describe the current state of visual arts in Azerbaijan? With the rise of technology, especially in digital art, fewer people seem inclined to work at the easel—or am I mistaken? How would you characterise this period? Is it one of growth, decline, stagnation, or transformation?"

"Azerbaijani art is at an exciting crossroads. Young artists are searching for a delicate balance between deep-rooted traditions and contemporary artistic language. This is not an easy path, as our cultural heritage is incredibly strong, and modern approaches can sometimes be seen as foreign. Yet, it is precisely in this interplay—this merging of the old and the new—that I see great potential.

"Recently, I attended an exhibition where an artist combined traditional national motifs with digital technology. It was not only a fresh perspective but also deeply inspiring—like a bridge between the past and the future. Experiments like these show that our artistic heritage is not just something to be preserved; it can evolve, finding new life in a modern context. I firmly believe that Azerbaijani art is moving toward a new stage, one where tradition and innovation coexist harmoniously, creating a unique visual language that resonates both locally and globally."

"What inspires you today? What are you currently working on? Have recent world events influenced your artistic outlook, or can an artist afford to detach from external realities?"

"I draw inspiration from people and their stories, from the ever-changing rhythms of nature, from music, literature, and cinema. Just recently, while walking in Shuvalan, I noticed the sunlight dancing on the surface of the water, transforming it into a shimmering, living canvas. That moment became the seed of a new artwork, reminding me that inspiration is always present—we just need to open our eyes to see it.

"Sometimes inspiration reveals itself in the simplest things: the sincerity in a child's gaze, the sound of a forgotten melody, or the fleeting movement of the wind. Art is not only what we create with our hands; it is also what we manage to perceive, feel, and carry within us. Each such moment holds a story waiting to be told."

"Beyond painting, what other interests do you have?"

"Alongside painting, I have a deep passion for music, literature, and film. These art forms offer another way for me to make sense of the world. For instance, the film The Man Who Surprised Everyone left a lasting impression on me, making me reflect on timeless themes such as fear and the resilience of the human spirit. Similarly, Samuel Barber’s Adagio for Strings always stirs something deep within me—it evokes both a quiet sorrow and a sense of hope.

"However, inspiration isn’t always easy to come by. At times, modern films or books feel disappointingly superficial, as though they hesitate to delve into the depths of the human soul. Yet, even such moments serve a purpose—they teach us to value the authentic, to seek out what is real and meaningful. Art is not just about pleasure; it is about searching, and in that search, it is crucial to remain open to new experiences, even if not all of them prove to be profound."

"Artists are often said to have a kind of foresight, predicting the future through their work—much like science fiction writers. Do you believe there is truth in this?"

"I do believe that art holds a certain prophetic quality. An artist, much like a mirror, reflects not only the world around them but also their emotions, experiences, and intuition. There have been times when I created a painting without fully understanding its depth, only to realise much later that it spoke not just of the present, but of something yet to come.

"This is not prophecy in the literal sense, but rather a kind of premonition—a sensitivity to the subtle shifts and undercurrents of time. Art often serves as a bridge between the present and the future, and it is this mystery that continues to draw me back to my work, again and again."

"Have you accomplished everything you set out to do? Or do you still dream?"

"No, I am far from done. An artist always has dreams—visions that fuel creativity and push boundaries. One of my deepest aspirations is to create a painting that will not merely exist as a work of art, but as a true legacy—something that speaks to future generations, stirring emotions and provoking thought.

"Sometimes, I feel that my best work is still ahead of me. That thought is what drives me forward. It reminds me that there is no ultimate peak in art, no final destination. Each new day is an opportunity to come closer to that dream. After all, creativity is a journey, and the most important things are always waiting just beyond the horizon."



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