Madrid: The opening ceremony of the MAMA 'Mother Nature' international art exhibition was held at the PONS Foundation in Madrid, APA reports. The event saw the presence of Vice-President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation Leyla Aliyeva, Arzu Aliyeva, members of the diplomatic corps accredited in Spain, representatives from the art community, and members of the local community.
According to Azeri-Press news agency, the initiative was spearheaded by Leyla Aliyeva, Vice-President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation and founder of the IDEA Public Union. The MAMA 'Mother Nature' exhibition gathers artists from various countries and cultures to emphasize the human-nature connection and highlight the importance of environmental conservation. Initially showcased in 2024 at the Heydar Aliyev Center in Baku during the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29), the exhibition expanded its reach globally with displays in Manama, Rome, London, Tbilisi, Berlin, Tirana, Geneva, and Riga.
The exhibition's current presentation in Madrid is a collaboration between the Heydar Aliyev Foundation and the Embassy of Azerbaijan in Spain. Speaking at the opening ceremony, Ramiz Hasanov, Ambassador of Azerbaijan to Spain, described the MAMA 'Mother Nature' project as an international artistic initiative that explores the profound connection between art and humanity. He emphasized that the project brings attention to contemporary environmental challenges and expressed gratitude to Leyla Aliyeva for bringing the exhibition to Madrid. Hasanov expressed hope that the exhibition would inspire visitors to appreciate art and foster a stronger sense of environmental responsibility.
Luis Fonseca S¡nchez, Director General for North America, Eastern Europe, Asia, and the Pacific at Spain's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation, remarked that Spain's rich art, creativity, and culture present new opportunities for dialogue and cooperation with partners like Azerbaijan. He highlighted Spain's status as one of the European countries with significant areas of protected natural land, which are accessible to thousands of visitors, underscoring the societal importance of protecting ecosystems and biodiversity.
In her address, Leyla Aliyeva highlighted the significance of the MAMA 'Mother Nature' project. Recalling its initial presentation in Baku during COP29, she noted its subsequent displays in various countries worldwide, conveying an important message about nature, the environment, and our collective future. She emphasized the importance of nurturing the gifts provided by nature, stating, "Nature is our mother. It gives us land, water, and air. However, despite all this, we humans continue to harm these gifts that nature bestows. This exhibition is another step toward a better future."
The exhibition will be open to visitors from September 9 to 18 and features works by renowned contemporary artists from Azerbaijan, Spain, Italy, Latvia, Ukraine, Georgia, the United Kingdom, Germany, and other countries.