The “Cracking Art” and “Səməni” International Art Exhibition has opened at the Heydar Aliyev Center.

Our people celebrate the Novruz holiday with great joy. During these cherished days, residents of our city and visitors to the capital will be able to explore interesting exhibitions in the park of the Heydar Aliyev Center.

On March 18, the official opening ceremony of the “Cracking Art” and “Səməni” International Art Exhibition was held in the park of the Heydar Aliyev Center.

Leyla Aliyeva, Vice President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, attended the opening ceremony of the exhibition.

Works by Europe’s renowned “Cracking Art Group” are displayed in the Center’s park. The exhibition, consisting of giant art pieces in the “Pop-art” genre, was organized with the official partnership of the IDEA (International Dialogue for Environmental Protection) Public Union. The project aims to draw attention to the resolution of ecological problems and the protection of flora and fauna in Azerbaijan. Leyla Aliyeva, head of IDEA, explored the exhibition together with the gathered youth.

It should be noted that in 1993, six European artists – Italian Renzo Nucara, Marco Veronese, Kicco, French Alex Angi, Belgian Carlo Rizzetti, and William Sweetlove – came together to create the “Cracking Art Group.” This movement directs all its efforts toward changing perceptions of contemporary art and creating innovation by applying innovative methods in social and ecological aspects of art.

The artists attract public attention to environmental issues with their giant, brightly colored animal figures made from recycled and easily disposable synthetic materials. “Cracking Art” works both draw attention to ecological matters and demonstrate the application of new technologies.

With its creations, the “Cracking Art Group” has conquered several cities around the world to date. These works have been exhibited in New York, Sydney, Milan, and other cities.

On March 18, the traditional “Səməni” exhibition was also presented in the Center’s park. The exhibition, held on the eve of Novruz, showcased examples of contemporary art – səmənis. This exhibition allows visitors during the Novruz days to experience the festive mood together and to familiarize themselves with artworks presenting a modern approach to Novruz traditions.

Səməni symbolizes the awakening and rejuvenation of nature and is considered a symbol of life and abundance. In ancient times, people would say before spring, “Səməni, protect me, I will make you grow this year,” expressing wishes for prosperity and abundance by sprouting grain. Centuries passed, civilization developed, restrictions were imposed in different historical periods, yet the people of Azerbaijan have preserved Novruz along with its customs and symbols, bringing it to the present day.

It should be recalled that on the initiative of Azerbaijan, on September 30, 2009, Novruz was included in UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage List. On February 23, 2010, at the 64th session of the UN General Assembly, March 21 was declared International Novruz Day.

In this context, the “Səməni” exhibition, a project of the Heydar Aliyev Center, holds special significance not only for preserving and passing on our national customs and values to the new generation but also for promoting Novruz more broadly through the boundless language of contemporary art.

Although the departing winter season tried to show its cold, windy, and rainy breath one last time, the festive mood of the people gathered in the Center’s park and the sounds of our national music added warmth to nature’s caprice. Young people gathered around the exhibited artworks, took pictures, and shared their thoughts. In such cold weather, fruit juices, hot tea, and coffee also had their place.

Within the framework of the event, valuable gifts were presented to the winners of the quiz held among the participants.