Baku:The Heydar Aliyev Center is set to host a series of exhibitions under the 'Fly to Baku. Art Weekend. Sense the Future NOW' festival, beginning on October 30, according to APA reports. This marks the second consecutive year of the festival, which is initiated by Leyla Aliyeva, Vice-President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation and founder of the IDEA Public Union. The festival's exhibition program aims to engage audiences with themes such as memory, cultural heritage, nature, biodiversity, identity, and the future.
According to Azeri-Press news agency, the festival will officially open with 'Art Weekend' and several exhibition launches at the Heydar Aliyev Center, alongside events at various venues throughout Baku. One of the highlights includes the 'Big Five of the Caucasus' exhibition, which will explore the region's biodiversity and the cultural significance of animals. The 'When Nature Speaks. Heirs' exhibition, conceived by Leyla Aliyeva, will focus on humanity's relationship with nature, featuring artwork related to the Caucasian leopard, brown bear, grey wolf, golden eagle, and goitered gazelle.
The festival will also present 'Legendary Creatures An Azerbaijani Bestiary' in the Heydar Aliyev Center's park. This project connects the 'Big Five' with mythological creatures from Azerbaijani folklore, showcasing works by six artists in various media, including carpet art and sculpture.
In addition, Chinese artist Zhang Ji's exhibition 'The Skin of Truth' will be featured, organized in collaboration with JD Malat Gallery. His innovative works use a syringe to create raised surfaces, inspired by architectural motifs from global landmarks. Another significant exhibition, 'What If Women Ruled the World?' by American artist Judy Chicago, will make its regional debut, inviting visitors to contribute to an interactive global archive.
Furthermore, Italian artist Michelangelo Pistoletto's 'Mirror of Eternity' will be displayed, employing artificial intelligence to create new digital portraits. This project examines the interplay between memory, technology, and life’s transformative nature.