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By Laman Ismayilova

The anniversary exhibition of incredibly talented artist Vidadi Narimanbekov opened at National Art Museum of Azerbaijan.

The exhibition, organized by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, is dedicated to the 90th birth anniversary of national artist, Trend Life reported.

Addressing the opening ceremony, Deputy Minister of Culture and Tourism Adalet Valiyev spoke about the life and creativity of great artist, stressing the fact that Vidadi volunteered for the front of World War II when he was only 18. In future, one of the most bitter struggles of human history had influenced Narimanbekov so much that it became the main theme in his creativity.

Worthy successors to the creativity of People's Artist were his children – Amirbek Narimanbekov and Nigar Narimanbekova.

Speaking at the ceremony, rector of the Azerbaijan State Academy of Art People's Artist Omar Eldarov shared his personal memories about the artist.

"Me and Vidadi Narimanbekov went to the same art school. And when I looked at his works at exam, I was very surprised. It seemed to me so unusual that I wondered how a freshman could be such a good artist," he said.

As for the human qualities, Eldarov characterized him as modest and wise man.

Then, daughter of outstanding painters, also well-known artist Nigar Narimanbekova, who lives and works in Paris, expressed her gratitude to the organization of such an event honoring 90th anniversary of his father. .

"July 13 sees the 90th birthday of my father. I'm pleased that National Art Museum of Azerbaijan has opened the exhibition of his works. Everyone who loves my father, all his friends gathered together in such a heartwarming day for our family. He was a wonderful, and fantastically talented man. He loved the young people and always helped the young artists to take their first steps in art," said Narimanbekova.

She stressed that Vidadi Narimanbekov made sketches dedicated to the military theme while serving on the frontline.

The stunning and epic painting "Under the banner of the Motherland" will be presented for the first time in Baku, which is still kept in his studio. The picture was finished just a few days before the death of truly inspiring representative of national art. The painting was dedicated to Azerbaijani soldiers who lost their lives during the bloody Nagorno-Karabakh War. The theme of patriotism runs through all his paintings.

Further, the guests enjoyed more than stunning 30 works by great artist.

The main heroes of Narimanbekov's works are soldiers, heroically fighting for their homeland, women who accompanied their husbands and sons to the frontline and children who experienced all the hardships of war.

The exhibition became an amazing memorable gift for art lovers.

You won’t want anything to distract you from portraits that tell a story someone's life.

Vidadi Narimanbekov is considered one of the most fascinating art figures of the 20th century.

One of the most influential artists was born in Caen, Northern France. His father Yaqub Farman comes from the ancient and noble family Narimanbekov. He studied engineering in Toulouse, where he met his future wife, Irma Larude, a French woman. In 1930, the young family returned to Baku.

Naribanbekov successfully graduated from the Tbilisi Academy of arts. His works were showcased at the most prestigious international art exhibitions in Hungary, Finland, Italy, Austria, Turkey, India and other countries. He is a holder of "Shohrat” order (The Order of Glory).

The national artist skillfully used the severe style in order to express his ideas. For example, the painting "Great Patriotic War", painted in 1971, creates the impression of wall paintings, murals.

His another work "Portrait of a woman. Nazifa", painted in 1973, shows another pictorial strategy of the painter. The portrait was painted in a quick, sketchy manner. The canvas with its sweeping strokes and bight colors express the feeling of spring.

A lot more could be said about creativity of Azerbaijani artist. Thought his rich cultural life, the artist made interesting discoveries that are still waiting to be explored.

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

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