On November 1, an exhibition of works by the famous Italian monumental sculptor opened at the Heydar Aliyev Center Lorenzo Quinn.
As Day.Az reports, it is no coincidence that the exhibition was organized on the eve of the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29), which will be held in Baku. Thus, the exhibition “Equilibrium in Nature” once again directs public attention to environmental problems.
Speaking at the opening of the exhibition, the director of the Heydar Aliyev Center Anar Alakbarov thanked Lorenzo Quinn for his support in holding his exhibition in Azerbaijan in a short time. He said that this year the Heydar Aliyev Center hosted presentations of a number of Italian sculptors and artists, and noted that the exhibition presented excellent examples of sculpture. Anar Alakbarov noted that L. Quinn’s works were brought to Azerbaijan as part of the COP29 event, and expressed confidence that guests coming to the COP29 conference, which will be held in the country in the near future, will also like these works of art. At the same time, it was brought to attention that numerous events are planned to be held at the Heydar Aliyev Center.
Founder of the company “365 Art”, curator of the exhibition Olga Daniele expressed gratitude to the Heydar Aliyev Center for organizing the event at a high level. She noted that Lorenzo Quinn creates his work based on feelings of love, affection and care for our planet. In these works one can feel the author’s ideas, reflecting his extraordinary abilities.
The author of the exhibition, Lorenzo Quinn, noted that Baku is a very beautiful city, and there is very little time left before COP29 is held in our capital. L. Quinn, who said he was pleased to have his exhibition in a great location, said his work embodies the power of nature. “We must love the Earth. Just as a mother treats her child, so we must treat the Earth. We must show respect to the Earth as we respect our mother. We have nowhere else to live. We must take this into account. Because We have no other choice,” said Lorenzo Quinn.
The opening of the exhibition took place with an introduction to the work “Union of Love”. This composition is a call for mutual love and support for peace. Because it is thanks to these feelings that humanity can create relationships in complete harmony.
The works of Lorenzo Quinn will be presented in the park and foyer of the Heydar Aliyev Center until May 11, 2025.
At the Baku exhibition, visitors will be able to get acquainted with the works of the Italian sculptor “Balanced World”, “The Power of Nature”, “Hand of God”, “Give and Take” and “Together” in the Center Park, and with the works “Eros”, “Parallel Universe”, “Love Yourself” and other works by the author are in the foyer of the Center. In total, 15 works by the author are presented at the Baku exhibition.
The sculptor’s work “Love Yourself” calls for expressing love through self-love and sharing this feeling with the world.
The sculpture “In Perspective” reflects the idea of how fragile and small our world is compared to the Universe. In doing so, Lorenzo Quinn encourages people to put the world we live in in perspective.
Among the exhibits, the sculpture “Hand of God” is considered one of the author’s masterpieces. The man sits wearily, with his hands down, on the palm of a giant hand supporting him. Lorenzo Quinn dedicated this work to his son. “Hand of God” draws visitors’ attention to the dangers that children face in real life. This later became a central element in other monumental works by Quinn. This hand symbolizes love, hatred, the sense of creation and the power of destruction.
Another of Quinn’s works brought to Baku is called “Together”. It was with the display of this composition in Giza that modern art was able to “get closer” to the pyramids for the first time. The said monumental composition was presented to art lovers in Cannes in 2021 and in Dubai in 2023. Now this work will be presented in the park of the Heydar Aliyev Center at the Baku exhibition for 6 months. The work reflects the hands that allow a person to create and destroy. At the same time, the author believes that everything is in our hands.
Another work of the author exhibited in Baku is “The Power of Nature”. The work embodies the image of a fragile but very strong woman. Mother Nature herself comes to life here. In general, the series of sculptures “Force of Nature” occupies an important place in Quinn’s work. Many compositions from this series were exhibited in different countries of the world and decorated large cities.
The work “Balanced World” is also a carrier of the author’s worldview. The exhibit reflects the following thought – “sometimes our worlds seem to be polar opposites, in my life I am in perfect balance only with you.”
In front of the Heydar Aliyev Center, you can also see the work “Give and Take,” which particularly impressed art lovers around the world. With this work, the sculptor draws attention to the importance of balance in life, including in nature.
Lorenzo Quinn was born to Oscar-winning actor Anthony Quinn and costume designer and actress Yolanda Addolori. He studied at the Academy of Fine Arts in New York and planned to become an artist, but decided to take up sculpture to better express his energy and original ideas. Lorenzo Quinn is also known as an actor and has appeared in films.
Known as the ”creator of feelings”, “painter of emotions”, Lorenzo Quinn is one of the most sought-after sculptors of recent times. The works of Lorenzo Quinn bring to the world messages of peace, harmony, the idea that “to create or destroy depends only on our own choice.” His works show the balance of the positive and negative sides of human nature.
Interview Transcript: Time.news
Editor: Welcome to Time.news. Today, we’re delighted to have with us Lorenzo Quinn, the renowned Italian sculptor, whose exhibition “Equilibrium in Nature” recently opened at the Heydar Aliyev Center in Baku. Lorenzo, thank you for joining us.
Lorenzo Quinn: Thank you for having me! It’s a pleasure to be here.
Editor: Your exhibition comes just ahead of the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, COP29. Was this timing intentional?
Lorenzo Quinn: Absolutely. I believe art has the power to inspire change and draw attention to vital issues, like environmental problems. COP29 is a significant event, and I wanted my work to contribute to the conversation around our relationship with nature and the need for balance.
Editor: It’s clear that your sculpture can evoke deep emotions. You’ve mentioned that your works are rooted in feelings of love and care for our planet. Can you elaborate on how you express these themes in your art?
Lorenzo Quinn: My sculptures, like “Union of Love” and “Hand of God,” are visual representations of the emotional connection we should have with our world. For instance, “Hand of God” symbolizes protection and the fragility of childhood. It serves as a reminder of the responsibilities we hold towards the younger generations—and indeed, towards the planet itself.
Editor: “Hand of God” sounds particularly poignant. Can you share more thoughts on its creation and significance, especially with your son in mind?
Lorenzo Quinn: Yes, this piece was inspired by my experiences as a father. It depicts a weary man supported by a giant hand, a metaphor for the love and guidance we should provide to our children. It also reflects the realities they face in today’s world and serves as a call to action for us to create a safer, more nurturing environment.
Editor: You mentioned your work “Together,” which has been displayed in other prestigious locations like Giza and Cannes. What message do you hope to communicate through this piece?
Lorenzo Quinn: “Together” illustrates the duality of creation and destruction. It’s about recognizing our power as humans—our hands can create beauty or cause harm. I aim to encourage people to realize that everything we need to nurture the Earth is within our grasp, literally and figuratively. We hold the future in our hands.
Editor: Speaking of powerful messages, in “The Power of Nature,” how does this artwork connect back to the themes of climate change and our environment?
Lorenzo Quinn: “The Power of Nature” embodies the forces that sustain life but also those that can lead to its destruction. With all the challenges our planet faces, this piece serves as a reminder of our responsibility to respect and protect what we have. It encourages viewers to reflect on their actions and the changes they can make for future generations.
Editor: It sounds like nature is a recurring theme in your work. How do you think art can influence public perception about environmental issues?
Lorenzo Quinn: Art has an unparalleled ability to transcend language and cultural barriers. It engages people emotionally, which can be more impactful than data alone. When viewers connect with an artwork, they’re moved to think about broader themes and issues, often leading to a desire to enact change. That’s the kind of shift I aim for with my sculptures.
Editor: The Heydar Aliyev Center is an impressive venue. How does exhibiting your work in such a unique space influence your art?
Lorenzo Quinn: The architecture of the Heydar Aliyev Center provides a stunning backdrop for my sculptures, allowing them to interact with the space and the audience in ways that feel intimate and expansive at the same time. Baku, as a city, has a rich tapestry of cultures and history, which adds depth to the exhibit. I feel honored to have my work shown here.
Editor: Lastly, what do you hope visitors take away from your exhibition during this significant time?
Lorenzo Quinn: I hope they leave with a renewed sense of love and responsibility towards our planet. We must treat Earth as we would treat a beloved family member. Embracing empathy for our environment is crucial, especially as we face global challenges. If my works can ignite those feelings, then my mission is accomplished.
Editor: Thank you, Lorenzo. Your insights are inspiring, and we look forward to seeing how your exhibition influences discussions around climate change.
Lorenzo Quinn: Thank you! I appreciate the opportunity to share my thoughts, and I’m excited for everyone to experience the exhibition.
Editor: And thank you to our audience for joining us today for this insightful conversation on art, nature, and responsibility. Until next time!