artists
Elchin Veliyev
Graduating from the Repin Academy of Saint Petersburg, honed his skills by copying the works of old masters at the Hermitage Museum during his studies, which allowed him to perceive national carpets as if they were living still life's. He creates realistic "portraits" of carpets with such mastery that viewers initially experience a moment of confusion mixed with astonishment. The realistic depiction evokes in the viewer a desire to touch the carpet and decipher its meaning.
Although Valiyev does not like to be associated with hyperrealism, he enjoys creating the illusion of reality—an optical deception—using his impeccable painting technique. Within the context of modern art, he revitalizes the realism of the 17th and 18th centuries: after the initial impression, the viewer, detached from their first perception, dives into the details, trying to overcome the illusion and understand reality.
"As a modern Azerbaijani artist, I believe that in the 21st century, the only meaningful subject on canvas is the carpet. The carpet is the symbol of our world. The carpet is Azerbaijan itself. What I do is art within art; it is, in a sense, a postmodern gesture, which is why I don't place much importance on art historical terms. I believe that painting should surprise, and I am happy when people experience shock when they encounter my works. They ask, 'What is this? How can it be possible?'—and these are the right questions. In fact, anyone who encounters a work of art should ask themselves these questions."
Although Valiyev does not like to be associated with hyperrealism, he enjoys creating the illusion of reality—an optical deception—using his impeccable painting technique. Within the context of modern art, he revitalizes the realism of the 17th and 18th centuries: after the initial impression, the viewer, detached from their first perception, dives into the details, trying to overcome the illusion and understand reality.
"As a modern Azerbaijani artist, I believe that in the 21st century, the only meaningful subject on canvas is the carpet. The carpet is the symbol of our world. The carpet is Azerbaijan itself. What I do is art within art; it is, in a sense, a postmodern gesture, which is why I don't place much importance on art historical terms. I believe that painting should surprise, and I am happy when people experience shock when they encounter my works. They ask, 'What is this? How can it be possible?'—and these are the right questions. In fact, anyone who encounters a work of art should ask themselves these questions."
Mystery is always at the forefront of Valiyev's works. Just as in Caravaggio's paintings, Valiyev's works lead viewers into deep thought. "I use a complex technique: acrylic, oil paint, and varnish. With the help of acrylic, oil paint, and layers, I create an illusion, making each thread and every pattern appear three-dimensional," says the artist.
Karabakh carpets are among Valiyev’s most significant works. These carpets reflect the artist’s conscious artistic gesture of conveying the pain, traditions, and lost lands of Karabakh to European audiences. Valiyev emphasizes that his mission as an artist is to communicate the spirit of these lands. The red color frequently used in his works may be identical to the colors in the original carpets, but the artist's creativity sometimes transforms them into a different dimension by altering the hues. For Valiyev, the carpet is not merely a still life or a portrait but a tool he uses to fulfill his artistic duties. As the artist states, "A carpet was passed down to me from my grandmother; I painted a picture in her honor and dedicated it to her."
The artist's works are kept in private collections in Azerbaijan and many other countries around the world.
Karabakh carpets are among Valiyev’s most significant works. These carpets reflect the artist’s conscious artistic gesture of conveying the pain, traditions, and lost lands of Karabakh to European audiences. Valiyev emphasizes that his mission as an artist is to communicate the spirit of these lands. The red color frequently used in his works may be identical to the colors in the original carpets, but the artist's creativity sometimes transforms them into a different dimension by altering the hues. For Valiyev, the carpet is not merely a still life or a portrait but a tool he uses to fulfill his artistic duties. As the artist states, "A carpet was passed down to me from my grandmother; I painted a picture in her honor and dedicated it to her."
The artist's works are kept in private collections in Azerbaijan and many other countries around the world.
Artist's works