The exhibition Flowers of Baku: Traces of Art Nouveau in Azerbaijan opened its doors to the public on 17 October at Halles Saint-Géry, in the heart of Brussels.
This exhibition, organised by the Belgian association ATABEY, and supported by the Embassy of Azerbaijan to the Kingdom of Belgium, invites visitors to embark on a journey through Baku’s Art Nouveau buildings and immerse themselves in the artistic and cultural heritage of Azerbaijan’s capital, where art is deeply ingrained in the urban landscape.
Franck Depaifve, an acclaimed photographer and the creative mind behind the exposition, opened the inauguration. The exhibition offers a blend of old photographs and Depaifve’s contemporary shots that capture the floral and ornamental details of Art Nouveau architecture in Baku, showcasing his eye for architectural beauty.
“The most interesting part about this exhibition is the fusion of Art Nouveau and Islamic art. For me, flowers and plants are present in both cultures and in Baku, they are mixed perfectly,” told Depaifve to Travel Tomorrow.
Art Nouveau architecture is considered to have originated in Brussels. It is usually characterised by decorative elements such as curved lines and floral ornaments on facades and interiors. Furthermore, ornamental flowers were perceived as symbols of birth and life. People wanted to return nature to their homes through Art Nouveau, as industrialisation had brought only noise and dust. Even though this art movement originated in Western Europe, it absorbed influences from different cultures.
It is fascinating to see the origins of Art Nouveau in Baku and explore how they have been preserved to date. One highlight is the hanging photographs that showcase Depaife’s eye for detail and the floral elements of the art movement.
Art Nouveau was introduced to Baku during the oil boom and industrialisation of the city in the late 19th century, which led to rapid urban development. As trade with European countries prospered, oil magnates, bankers, and foreign merchants wanted to build unique houses and establishments.
The idea behind the exhibition was to find traces of Art Nouveau in Baku and explore the buildings that are home to the world heritage. “We tried to meet the people living in the buildings and listen to the stories they had to tell about these buildings. These people were so hospitable that they invited me to their homes to taste their food, talk with them, and explore their culture,” explained Depaifve.
One of Azerbaijan’s priorities is preserving its cultural heritage, which includes Art Nouveau buildings. The State protects some of these buildings including the Palace of Zeynalabdin Taghiyev which has now become the National History Museum, and the Azerbaijan State Opera and Ballet Theatre is currently undergoing extensive renovation. Franck Depaifve expressed particular admiration for the Palace of Zeynalabdin Taghiyev, describing it as “a place where all cultures meet and mix together.”
During the opening event, visitors had the opportunity to chat with Franck Depaifve and ask questions about his ideas, perspectives, and inspiration. Moreover, Halles Saint-Géry is a relaxed setting. It provides places to rest, allowing visitors to reflect on the history of Art Nouveau in Baku while enjoying a drink at the bar on the ground floor.
Admission to the exhibition is free, and it will remain open until 8 January 2025. This would allow art lovers and architecture enthusiasts enough time to explore this exhibition in the heart of Brussels.
