A presentation of artist Huseyn Hagverdi`s project "Over the Centuries", organized by the YARAT! Nonprofit organization dedicated to the promotion of contemporary art of Azerbaijan was held in Azerbaijan`s capital on Friday.

The artist brings the viewer to the space of quasi-textual structures with this sculpture. The viewer perceives these masses of words and letters not in two-dimensional plane but in space. The viewer, thus, becomes a part of a mysterious message expressed in the artistic language, unknown to others.

Islam was one of the main factors that initiated the development of calligraphy. Azerbaijani art of calligraphy, especially the Tabriz school, reached its peak in XIII-XIV centuries. During this period the new school of calligraphy emerged in Tabriz with famous Azerbaijani calligraphers such as Mahmoud Sarraf, SeidHeydar, Sadaddin, JafarTabrizi, Mir Ali, and many others develop new artistic and calligraphic styles in the East. Mir Ali Tabrizi was one of the key founders of Nas-Taliq calligraphy style, based on this font numerous scientific and fiction books were written. Scientific work by Mohammed Seyrafi called "Adab al-Khatt" ("The Art of Calligraphy") played important role in Azerbaijani art of calligraphy. Yet another important calligrapher was Shah Mahmud Nishapuri (during the reign of Tahmasp).

Deeply rooted traditions of calligraphy have affected local architecture and these influences can be particularly traced among ornate stone engravings of Baku-Absheron school of stone and architectural decor. These intricate engravings, adorning facades of domestic and cultural buildings to the present day, resemble a magical dance from the era.

Huseyn Hagverdi`s works were demonstrated in different exhibitions held in Baku, Latvia, France, Germany , India, US, Germany and other countries.

The artist`s exhibition called "Metamorphose" was opened in Azerbaijan`s capital last year.

Huseyn Hagverdi also participated in an exhibition "Fly to Baku: Contemporary Art from Azerbaijan" in London, UK.

Founded in 2011 by Aida Mahmudova, YARAT! is a non-commercial, private organization dedicated to the promotion and nurturing of Azeri Contemporary art nationally and internationally.

Festival 012 Baku Public Art involves 21 artists, both professionals and beginners.

They have reflected in their works some historical places in Baku. The project will run until 1 September.

AzerTAc