10 Questions with Ayan Aziz Mammadova
Ayan Aziz Mammadova was born in Baku, Azerbaijan. Ever since she was little, she remembers spending a lot of time in her father’s workshop, watching him passionately work on his paintings and dreaming that one day she would find her passion. These are her earliest childhood memories, which inspired and shaped her into the creative individual she is today.
Being surrounded by vibrant and talented artists from a young age greatly influenced her artistic formation. However, as she grew and became older, her artistic style changed, and she acquired a host of expressions, emotions, and moods that captured feminine warmth, sensitivity, and emotional complexity.
Ayan Aziz Mammadova - Portrait
ARTIST STATEMENT
Ayan lives in her own inner world, from where solar prominences splash imagination onto canvases, and she is not bound by any conventional forms of artistry. In her works, she showcases a host of expressions, emotions, and mood swings that are captivated by a feminine nature and a rhythmic undertone. Ayan’s creativity lies in the mirror of one’s soul. She uses the colours of her works to assign rhythm and deep meaning to an abstract ornament, as well as saturated patterns that can be found hidden in still life or landscape.
The language of art is an unparalleled force of her expression. The freedom of visual expression, where even the most paradoxical ideas can touch and be united, is the underlying concept that she creates. Ayan primarily works with oil on canvas; however, she has experimented with mixed media and various other techniques.
Autumn, Oil on Canvas, 125x50 cm, 2020 © Ayan Aziz Mammadova
INTERVIEW
When and how did you start getting involved with visual arts?
Ever since I was little, I remember spending a lot of time in my father’s workshop, watching him passionately work on his paintings and dreaming that one day I would find my own passion. These are my earliest childhood memories, which inspired and shaped me into the creative individual I am today. Being surrounded by vibrant and talented artists from a young age had a great influence on my artistic formation. However, as I grew up and became older, my artistic style changed, and I acquired a host of expressions, emotions, and moods that captured feminine warmth, sensitivity, and emotional complexity.
What for you is the most enjoyable part of your art?
For me, the most enjoyable part of creating art is that I am able to express myself and my feelings on the canvas. Art is my expression, and the freedom of visual expression where even the most paradoxical ideas can touch and be united is the underlying concept that I live by.
Composition, Mixed Media, 110x90 cm, 2012 © Ayan Aziz Mammadova
Let’s talk about your work. You predominantly work with oil painting, but also incorporate other mediums and techniques. How do you choose the mediums to work with for a specific project?
I primarily work with oil on canvas. However, I like to experiment with mixed media and various other techniques. I do prefer to work with mixed media, as it often misleads the viewer, who is intrigued and then tries to understand the painting.
Where do you find inspiration for your work and what is your creative process like?
I get my inspiration from the world around me; everything that touches my heart, joy, pain, sadness, tears - that is, everything that my soul touches finds its expression in the colours pouring into the canvases of my works.
Pomegranate, Oil on Canvas, 100x100 cm, 2018 © Ayan Aziz Mammadova
Evil Eye, Oil on Canvas, 100x100 cm, 2018 © Ayan Aziz Mammadova
Why do you use this visual language? And how has it evolved over the years?
Creating art is my way of expression. I believe that an artist should always create, search for themselves and their style, and always experiment. Every time my works are exhibited, I surprise my viewers with unique works, for example, works on national instruments. I hope that my works will continue to delight the viewers, and they can get inspired by my vision.
Is there a piece you consider a “breakthrough” in your career?
I think this piece is yet to be made. As for what I have already created, I can only say one thing, different viewers have different perceptions. For example, in my country, someone may like something that in France will not cause any response and vice versa.
Flowers, Oil on Canvas, 90x70 cm, 2012 © Ayan Aziz Mammadova
What are you working on now, and what are your plans for the future in terms of new projects?
Currently, I am working on new paintings, as I have a few upcoming shows. In terms of future projects, I would like to have more international shows and focus on my social media.
Finally, do you have any upcoming shows or collaborations you are looking forward to?
Yes, currently I have a show in Berlin, the gallery is called GALERIA AZUR. Also, next year I am participating in the Tokyo Art fair. And most importantly, in July, I will be having my solo exhibition in CICA Museum in Korea, which I am very excited about!
