02 Oct - 05 Oct 14
YARAT presents
Poetics of the Ordinary
VIENNAFAIR The New Contemporary
2-5 October 2014
YARAT, a not-for-profit contemporary art organisation, is delighted to participate in VIENNAFAIR The New Contemporary as the VIENNA Focus special exhibition for 2014. YARAT brings together new work by three artists in an exhibition titled Poetics of the Ordinary, which focuses on Sovetsky, a colourful and run-down district in Baku. Orkhan Huseynov, Sanan Aleskerov and Aida Mahmudova present new works in video, photography and installation that consider community, renewal and nostalgia.
2014 marks the 10th anniversary of VIENNAFAIR, Austria’s largest contemporary art fair. The fair is a platform for contemporary art from Central, Eastern and Southeastern Europe and is this year expanding its focus to include Azerbaijan. The VIENNA Focus section is devoted to institutions, non-profits and cultural embassies, and will be looking exclusively to Azerbaijan through YARAT.
Cramped, low buildings and narrow roads as a result of chaotic construction characterize the district of Sovetsky, which means “Soviet”. The quarter is renowned for its challenging living conditions as much as for its ornate architecture, elaborate window grates and old wooden doors.
Sovetsky also has an important role in the country’s history; many prominent figures from 20th century Azerbaijani culture were born in Sovetsky and are seen as the preservers of Azerbaijani culture. Solidarity and principles united Sovetsky’s communities during the cultural changes and external pressures of that period. YARAT artists at ‘VIENNAFAIR The New Contemporary’ have created a body of work to reflect on this rich history and culture of Sovetsky.
The project is produced by YARAT. Aida Mahmudova is both an artist and founder of YARAT, which was set up in 2011 to help nurture an understanding for contemporary art in Azerbaijan and create a platform for contemporary Azerbaijani art both nationally and internationally.