A magnificent exhibition of Azerbaijani carpets will open in the Museum of Decorative Arts and Design / Diena

This is the first large-scale exhibition of Azerbaijani textile art in Riga, which opens an in-depth insight into the heritability of national weaving techniques and at the same time proves that the seemingly distant can become close.

Genetic memory is a part of society’s culture and morality and – exhibitions The genetic code of memory. Azerbaijani carpets main guideline. In the course of time, it finds its expression in the traditions of carpet weaving. Threads, knots, patterns – the Azerbaijani carpet is not only an aesthetically pleasing interior item, but the life of an entire nation, woven over thousands of years. Azerbaijani carpets are known all over the world for their original ornamentation, composition and color solution.

In the history of world cultural heritage, the art of carpet weaving is the absolute pinnacle, creating a unified space of thought, reason and mind. It contains a narrative of legends and events, losses and victories, pride in the past and hope for a beautiful future. In 2010, the traditional art of carpet weaving of Azerbaijan was included in the representative list of UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

Public joint-stock company Azerkhalcha (Azerkhalcha) is the only carpet factory in Azerbaijan, whose workshops are staffed by craftsmen of different generations, and only weavers from rural areas, which are very important for the sustainable development of the region. Its core mission is the modern and dynamic evolution of carpet weaving, preserving the centuries-old craft.

The Riga exhibition collection created by the company is a collective work of artists and master craftsmen, which is based on the traditions of ancestors and the innovative searches of modern designers. At the same time, the exposition gives an idea of ​​the similarities between the ornaments of Latvia and Azerbaijan, reflecting various aspects of the interaction of the peoples, historical connections or common themes that have influenced the culture of both countries. Sun signs, swastikas, images of animals and birds woven into the carpets, their ornamental decoration shows the echo of traditions, endless interweaving of beliefs, values ​​and art.

Adding to the cultural and historical ties between Latvia and Azerbaijan, as well as celebrating the 150th anniversary of the Latvian master of applied arts Jūlij Straume (1874–1970), the exhibition organically includes the ethnographic heritage of the artist, which he identified and studied in the territory of Azerbaijan – unique carpet patterns, which he recorded and colored in his photographs during expeditions. The enthusiasm, knowledge and experience of Jūlija Straume contributed to the learning of a new technique for tying Turkish carpets, which had not been used in Latvian weaving practice until then, and which became popular in the 30s of the 20th century.

As a tribute to the contribution of the master, the permanent exposition on the 2nd floor of the Museum of Decorative Arts and Design (DMDM) has been supplemented with works not yet seen by the public and a prepared video story about the life and creative activity of Júlija Straume. On the other hand, the cycle of lectures Classical values will include a set of thematic readings about the artist – Stream of the Age.

Thanks to the initiative of the Embassy of Azerbaijan, the Museum of Decorative Arts and Design is honored to accept a donation from SIA PASHA Holding and public joint-stock companies PASHA bank. The DMDM ​​textile collection will be complemented by three contemporary design carpets, the author of which is the internationally recognized Azerbaijani fashion designer Rufats Izmails (Rufat Ismayil). These new works interpret the traditional carpet ornaments of their ancestors in a contemporary language.

The Museum of Decorative Arts and Design is pleased to have the opportunity to organize this impressive exhibition of the collection of Azerbaijani carpets, which is the first large-scale exhibition of Azerbaijani textile art in Riga, which opens an in-depth insight into the inheritance of national weaving techniques and at the same time proves that the seemingly distant can become close.

The specially prepared program of education and events will help visitors to get to know Azerbaijan’s cultural, historical and artistic traditions, appreciating the so far unnoticed connection with the cultural and historical heritage of Latvia.

Guest curator of the exhibition: Emins Mammadovs (Emin Mammadov)public joint-stock companies Azerkhalcha the chairman of the board and the Meritorious Worker of Culture of the Republic of Azerbaijan.

Exhibition curators: Inese Baranovska and Rūta Rinka.