Azernews.Az

By Laman Ismayilova

ARTIM project space invites everyone to enjoy Farhad Farzaliyev’s solo show intertwining chemistry and art practice.

“Molotov gulab” expo will welcome visitors from March 3 till March 7. The event starts at 19:00. Admission is free.

The project is inspired by Yusuf Mammadaliyev (1905 Ordubad, Nakhchivan - 1961 Baku, Azerbaijan), grandfather of the artist, well known for his scientific inventions as a chemist, less known for his poetry that he followed with the same enthusiasm. One of the most famous of Yusuf Mammadaliyev’s numerous discoveries is an incendiary mixture of chemicals that could be used to make simple bombs, also called Molotov Cocktails.

The exhibition will combine poetry with a performance act of throwing rose water embodied as Molotov Cocktails against the walls. This act of aggression reveals phrases of poems that are written with chemical solutions, especially developed for the exhibition, and become visible when getting in touch with liquids.

‘Gulab’ (rose water) is not only a reference to the artist’s grandfather place of birth but also to the symbolic meaning of gentleness, softness and love. Aside from their sensual captivity roses hold great importance for religion, to be considered as the flower of heaven. They had strong influence on history’s most famous poets, such as the great Sufi, Rumi, describing the mystical path.

The performance plays on notions of fragility, violence and beauty, kitsch and nostalgia, aggression and love. It talks about contradiction, resistance and the complexity about how to deal with the traces of the past from a personal and collective perspective.

Born in Baku, Farhad completed an MFA with distinction at the Azerbaijan University of Fine Art in Baku in 2012. Farhad works predominantly in the medium of installations, but also paintings, graphics, photography and sound. He is member of Artists Union of Azerbaijan since 2011.

He has participated in large number of group exhibitions around the world. He is represented in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art in Baku.

Farhad Farzaliyev lives and works in Baku.

---

Laman Ismayilova is AzerNews’ staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @Lam_Ismayilova

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz