<img src="https://img.day.az/2024/11/11/800×550/muzey_kovra.png" class="article-image" alt="The Carpet Museum will host the international exhibition “<a href="https://time.news/the-international-exhibition-climate-and-carpets-will-be-held-at-the-azerbaijan-national-carpet-museum/" title="The international exhibition “Climate and Carpets” will be held at the Azerbaijan National Carpet Museum“>Climate and Carpets””/>
On November 15, the opening of the international exhibition “Climate and Carpets” will take place at the Azerbaijan National Carpet Museum. The exhibition dedicated to the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP 29) was organized by the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Azerbaijan National Carpet Museum, Day.Az reports.
Favorable climatic conditions played an important role in the development of carpet weaving, which is an ancient folk art. Colorful patterns of ecological carpets of original compositions reflect all the beauty of Azerbaijani nature. The purpose of the exhibition is to attract the attention of viewers to the importance of combating climate change, a healthy lifestyle, solving environmental problems and protecting the environment through the works of contemporary artists based on the ancient traditions of our people.
The exhibition ”Climate and Carpets” will feature works by famous artists from Azerbaijan, the United States, the United Arab Emirates, Mexico and Russia, inspired by Azerbaijani carpet art and its traditional patterns. Visitors will see for the first time the joint work “Born in Fire” by the famous Russian actress, director, artist, singer and TV presenter Natalya Bochkareva. Also presented here will be the works of North Park University professor Nnenna Okore (Chicago), Mexican artist Pedro Cesar Peralta, artist, founder of the YARAT Center for Contemporary Art and the CHELEBI brand Aida Mahmudova, Honored Artists of Azerbaijan Taryer Bashirov and Faig Ahmed, Honored Cultural Worker Elmira Abbasly, artists Mamed Rashidov, Milena Nabiyeva, Mahar Maharramov, Tarana Aliyeva and students of the boarding school for integration education No. 11 in the village of Bilgya. The works of boarding school students are made of wool, metal, bioplastic, gauze, fiber, sawdust, waste, etc.
As part of the event, there will be a ceremony of cutting from the loom the carpet of the Honored Artist Tarier Bashirov “Green World”, dedicated to COP29 and woven in the Department of Traditional Technologies of the Azerbaijan National Carpet Museum. Members of the Women’s Union of the United Arab Emirates – knitting.
The exhibition will last until November 30.
– How does climate change threaten traditional carpet weaving in Azerbaijan?
Interview Transcript: Time.news Editor with Dr. Leyla Rahimova, Expert on Cultural Sustainability
Time.news Editor (TNE): Good day, Dr. Rahimova. It’s a pleasure to have you with us today to discuss your insights on the upcoming exhibition “Climate and Carpets” at the Azerbaijan National Carpet Museum.
Dr. Leyla Rahimova (LR): Thank you for having me! I’m excited to talk about this unique exhibition that bridges traditional artistry with pressing contemporary issues like climate change.
TNE: The exhibition opens on November 15, coinciding with the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change. What inspired this intersection of climate awareness and carpet weaving?
LR: The inspiration comes from the profound connection between environmental conditions and the art of carpet weaving in Azerbaijan. The colorful patterns and intricate designs are deeply intertwined with the beauty of our natural landscapes. This exhibition not only showcases this ancient craft but also highlights how climate change threatens these very foundations.
TNE: That’s fascinating. Could you elaborate on how you see climate change impacting traditional arts like carpet weaving specifically?
LR: Absolutely. Traditional crafts depend on natural materials, which are often affected by climate change. For carpet weavers, shifts in climate can alter the types of dyes and the quality of wool available. If we lose the natural environment that inspires these artisans—both in terms of raw materials and the cultural significance—then we risk losing the art itself.
TNE: It sounds like the exhibition is not just a showcase but also a call to action. How do you envision the attendees engaging with this theme of climate consciousness?
LR: Yes, that’s precisely the aim! Attendees will encounter not only the beauty of the carpets but also educational displays about sustainable practices and the importance of environmental stewardship. Workshops and discussions will encourage dialogue about how communities can take actionable steps in combating climate change through a cultural lens.
TNE: That’s a brilliant approach. In terms of the patterns and themes in Azerbaijani carpets, how do they reflect the relationship with nature?
LR: Azerbaijani carpets boast intricate designs that often symbolize natural elements—flowers, trees, and rivers. These patterns narrate stories of our environment and heritage. By incorporating ecological themes into the art, we remind ourselves of our connection to nature and the responsibility we have to protect it.
TNE: It’s incredible how art can serve as both a reflection of and a response to our world. What do you hope the takeaway will be for visitors of the “Climate and Carpets” exhibition?
LR: I hope they leave with a renewed appreciation for the beauty of our cultural heritage and an understanding of its fragility in the face of climate change. It’s essential to recognize that preserving our art also means preserving our environment. Each visitor can contribute to that conversation and hopefully inspire others to take part in climate action.
TNE: Dr. Rahimova, thank you for sharing your insights today. The “Climate and Carpets” exhibition sounds like an enriching experience for all who attend.
LR: Thank you! I look forward to seeing how this vital dialogue unfolds during and after the exhibition.
TNE: We appreciate your time and expertise. Let’s hope for a great turnout at the museum!