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Fatima Latifova

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The opening ceremony of the "Equilibrium in Nature" exhibition by the famous Italian monumental sculptor Lorenzo Quinn was held at the Heydar Aliyev Center, Azernews reports.

The exhibition’s scheduling ahead of the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP29) to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29) isn’t coincidental.

The "Equilibrium in Nature" exposition will once again draw public attention to environmental issues. The concept of the Baku exhibition is based on an understanding of the environment and a sense of respectful attitude toward nature.

Prior the opening ceremony, Italian sculptor Lorenzo Quinn told reporters that he was very happy and honored to be in Baku. "I am actually very excited that this amazing exhibition is organized in this incredible space. Of course, for many years I have been seeing this space and I was always hoping one day to exhibit in it. So, dreams come true. I am also very happy that this exhibition coincides with COP29, because a lot of my artwork, actually all of my artwork has a universal message. Most of them, of course, is about love, peace and sustainability," the Italian sculptor added.

The event was graced with the presence of Anar Alakbarov, Assistant to the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Director of the Heydar Aliyev Center Adil Karimli, Minister of Culture, official guests, diplomats, well-known artists and others.

Addressing the opening ceremony, Assistant to the President of Azerbaijan Anar Alakbarov expressed gratitude to Lorenzo Quinn for his support for arranging his exhibition in Azerbaijan in a short period of time. He said that the Heydar Aliyev Center has hosted presentations of several Italian sculptors and artists this year, adding that striking sculptures were showcased at the current exhibition. Anar Alakbarov mentioned that Quinn's works were brought to Azerbaijan within the framework of the COP29 conference, expressing his hope that guests coming to the COP29 conference, set to take place in Baku, will fell in love with these works of art.

Olga Daniele, founder of "365 Art" company, curator of the exhibition, expressed her appreciation to the Heydar Aliyev Center for the excellent organization of the event. The focus of Quinn’s work is on love, affection, and concern for our planet. In this regard, the ideas of the author, which reflect his extraordinary skills, are felt in his works of art.

Describing Baku as a very beautiful city, Lorenzo Quinn said that there is very little time left for COP29, set to take place in the capital of Baku. He noted that his works embody the power of nature.

Then, the guests familiarized themselves with magnificent sculptures showcased in the exhibition in front of the Heydar Aliyev Center and in the foyer.

First, the visitors reviewed the "United States of Love," the composition which is a call for loving one another, in support of each other, and in perfect harmony creating an everlasting loving relationship.

The visitors will have the opportunity to also view sculptures such as "Balanced World", "The Force of Nature", "Hand of God", "Give and Take" and "Together" by the Italian sculptor, as well as "Eros", "Parallel Universe", "Love Yourself" and other works of the author.

The sculptural piece "Hand of God" is considered one of the artist's masterpieces. In this work, a hunched, naked man sits wearily with his hands down, supported by a giant hand that cradles him. Lorenzo dedicated this piece to his son. "Hand of God" draws the viewer's attention to the vulnerability children face against the dangers of real life. This hand later became a central element in Quinn's other monumental works, symbolizing love, hate, the feeling of creation and the power of destruction.

Another work by the Italian sculptor to be featured in Baku is called "Together". This composition was notably the first contemporary art piece allowed to be displayed next to the pyramids in Giza. The monumental piece was showcased to art lovers in Cannes in 2021 and in Dubai in 2023. Now it will be displayed for six months at the Heydar Aliyev Center park in Baku. The piece depicts hands as tools through which humans can both create and destroy, emphasizing that everything is in our hands.

Another work adorning the exhibition in Baku will be "The Force of Nature", which embodies the image of a fragile yet very strong woman, representing Mother Nature herself.

Visitors of the Heydar Aliyev Center park will also be able to see Quinn's "Give and Take" work, which has captivated art lovers worldwide. This piece highlights the importance of balance in life, including in nature.

The sculptor was born to the Oscar Award winning Mexican American actor Anthony Quinn and costume designer and actress Iolanda Addolori. Quinn studied at the American Academy of Fine Arts in New York, planning to be a Surrealist painter. However, then he decided that his future lay in sculpture, which could better accommodate his energy and originality. He also enjoyed a brief acting career, including playing alongside his father in Stradivari (1989), and also giving an acclaimed performance as Salvador Dalí. However, he did not enjoy working in the acting profession and decided to concentrate purely on sculpture. appeared in films.

Known as the "Creator of Feelings" and the "Artist of Emotions", Lorenzo is one of the most sought-after sculptors of recent times. His works convey messages of peace, harmony, and the idea that "to create or destroy is solely our choice". His pieces demonstrate the balance of the positive and negative aspects of human nature.

The Italian sculptor’s works will be on display in the park and foyer of the Heydar Aliyev Center until May 11, 2025.