Represented at the Venice Biennale with the support of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation and IDEA
On May 6, within the framework of the 56th Venice Biennale – International Art Exhibition, an official opening ceremony of two exhibitions will take place at the Azerbaijan Pavilion, organized with the support of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation.
At the Azerbaijan Pavilion, located in the 14th-century Lezze Palace in Campo Santo Stefano, one of Venice’s crowded venues, the opening of the exhibition “Beyond the Line” will be held first, featuring works by Ashraf Murad, Javad Mirjavadov, Tofiq Javadov, Rasim Babayev, Fazil Najafov, Huseyn Haqverdi, and Shamil Najafzade.
The “Beyond the Line” exhibition highlights the spirit and love of freedom of artists whose works remained in the shadow of the repressive Soviet regime of the 20th century.
Under the Soviet regime, exhibitions of artists who opposed the communist ideology or wanted to express “rebellious” positions were not organized, and artists could not leave the country. The “Beyond the Line” exhibition showcases the indomitable spirits and artistic worlds of these artists, who until now remained in obscurity.
On May 6, the “Vita Vitale” international exhibition will also open at the Venice Biennale. Presented jointly by the Heydar Aliyev Foundation and IDEA (International Dialogue for Environmental Action), this exhibition brings together artists from various countries who reflect concerns about the fate of the planet.
The exposition includes works by artists from Azerbaijan, the USA, Austria, the UK, Canada, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Pakistan, Switzerland, and Uzbekistan. At “Vita Vitale,” works by Edward Burtynsky, Mircea Cantor, Loris Cecchini, Tony Cragg, Laura Ford, Leyla Aliyeva, Aida Mahmudova, Andy Warhol, and other renowned artists are displayed.
The “Vita Vitale” exhibition presents the perspectives of artists addressing environmental issues. The exhibition illuminates the thoughts of artists on social and environmental matters that shape not only Azerbaijan but the entire planet’s past, present, and future. “Vita Vitale” also analyzes the delicate balance between the planet’s ecosystem and human impact on nature. The exhibition encourages us to enhance our role in environmental protection while offering creative ideas and tools to safeguard the future of the world.
Both exhibitions will continue until November 22.
It should be noted that the Venice Biennale is considered one of the most prestigious exhibitions in the field of contemporary art worldwide. The Venice Biennale provides an excellent opportunity to see contemporary artworks, present one’s creativity, meet art professionals, and discuss contemporary trends.
Since 2004, the Heydar Aliyev Foundation has implemented projects supporting the development of contemporary art and young artists’ creativity. One of these projects is Azerbaijan’s participation in the Venice Biennale. Represented by various countries and cultures, this art festival has seen Azerbaijan participate since 2007. This year marks the country’s fifth representation at the Venice Biennale.
It is worth recalling that at the 55th Venice Biennale in 2013, the Azerbaijani Pavilion titled “Ornaments” was also set up in the Lezze Palace. That year, Azerbaijan was represented by six artists at the exhibition: Butunay Haqverdiyev, Fakhriya Mammadova, Farid Rasulov, Rashad Alekberov, Senan Alesgerov, and Chingiz.
