A new exhibition titled “Flight to Baku. Contemporary Azerbaijani Art” has opened in London.
On January 17, with the support and organization of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation and the English-language version of Baku magazine, the opening of the exhibition “Flight to Baku. Contemporary Azerbaijani Art” took place in London.
The event was attended by the First Lady of Azerbaijan, President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation Mehriban Aliyeva, and the Foundation’s Vice President Leyla Aliyeva.
Another event has been added to the series of initiatives carried out by the Heydar Aliyev Foundation to promote Azerbaijan globally. The exhibition “Flight to Baku. Contemporary Azerbaijani Art,” held at the famous Phillips de Pury & Company gallery in London with the support and organization of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation and the English-language version of Baku magazine, once again confirmed that promoting Azerbaijani culture is a priority in the activities of the Foundation’s President Mehriban Aliyeva and Vice President Leyla Aliyeva. The idea for this exhibition belongs to Leyla Aliyeva, and its curator is the world-renowned project author Hervé Mikaeloff.
At the event, the Vice President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation and IDEA (International Dialogue for Environmental Action) Leyla Aliyeva delivered a speech.
Speech of Leyla Aliyeva:
Ladies and gentlemen,
Thank you for coming to the exhibition “Flight to Baku” this evening. As you can see, we are surrounded by truly astonishing and inspiring works of art. The dynamism and creativity on display here reflect a large part of what is happening today in my homeland, Azerbaijan. My country is experiencing an unprecedented period of development, which is particularly evident in the field of contemporary art.
Independent Azerbaijan is a relatively young country. Last year, we celebrated the 20th anniversary of the restoration of our independence. Despite being so young, we have an ancient history. Azerbaijan was the first country in the Muslim East where women gained the right to vote in 1918, and in 1901 the first school for Muslim girls was established.
Azerbaijan is also the first country in the East where opera and ballet were staged. Thus, we are a country that has achieved many firsts and continue this philosophy today.
Last year, we won the Eurovision Song Contest. This year, we eagerly anticipate welcoming Europe to Baku, where the contest will be held.
However, contemporary Baku celebrates folk culture not only through music. As you walk through Baku, you can see rapid development along the streets—from Zaha Hadid’s masterpiece to new shops, restaurants, and hotels, all the way to the Caspian Sea boulevard. This is a city changing before your eyes. Baku’s architecture not only blends the old, exemplified by the 9th-century Maiden Tower, with the new, but also combines East and West, Zoroastrian temples with modern buildings, and the French urban planning culture of the early 20th-century oil boom.
As you know, art is a field I approach with great passion. Throughout my life, I have enjoyed exploring contemporary art—whether by visiting the Tate Museum in London or analyzing works now exhibited in the Museum of Contemporary Art in Baku. I also enjoy painting and have always admired artists who put their hearts and souls into the works they create.
Therefore, I am very excited to be part of presenting these magnificent works to an international audience, first in London until the end of January, and then across Europe. Many of the works you will see here are by both young and renowned artists, and many were created specifically for this exhibition, making this their first showing.
I am deeply proud that the works of 21 artists from all regions of Azerbaijan are displayed here. I believe you will agree that today Baku has a vibrant contemporary art scene.
I feel very happy to host this event in such a beautiful setting. The project has received great support from Mikael and Simon. Their gallery here—Hovik Place—is a phenomenal space. When I visited an exhibition here about a year and a half ago, I realized that this gallery would be the perfect venue for this exhibition. There is no doubt that the space and the art complement each other.
Hervé Mikaeloff, Emin Mammadov, and their teams have brought together these diverse artists to create an inspiring exhibition encompassing all forms of contemporary art—from painting to installations, videos, photographs, and performances.
Dear guests, thank you for attending the exhibition “Flight to Baku” this evening. This event is of great significance to me. I am glad that this exhibition is opening today in a wonderful city like London. I would like to thank all our organizers who devoted their time and efforts to this event, and of course the bright, talented Azerbaijani artists. I hope you all have a wonderful evening. Thank you very much.
Later, the curator of the exhibition, Hervé Mikaeloff, noted that the exhibition stands out for its richness and the originality of the works presented. He emphasized that Azerbaijani art has deep historical roots, and events like this serve to better introduce it to the world.
The First Lady of Azerbaijan, President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation Mehriban Aliyeva, Vice President Leyla Aliyeva, and the guests explored the exhibition.
