NEWS

Andy Warhol’s famed 1964 silk-screen portrait of Marilyn Monroe has sold for $195 million at auction, setting a new a record for a work by an American artist.

Report informs, citing The Guardian, that Shot Sage Blue Marilyn is one in a series of portraits Warhol made of the actress following her death in 1962 and has since become one of pop art’s best-known pieces.

Held in the collection of Swiss art dealers Thomas and Doris Ammann, it was sold by Christie’s at an auction in New York on Monday. Pre-sale estimates had reached as high as $200 million.

Paolo Sorrentino's E' Stata la Mano di Dio (The Hand of God) triumphed at the 67th David di Donatello Italian cinema awards on Tuesday, winning five gongs, including best film and best direction, according to ANSA.

Sorrentino's movie, which was nominated for the best international film prize at this year's Oscars, is a bittersweet semi-autobiographical coming-of-age tale in Argentine soccer legend Diego Maradona's Naples.

Gabriele Mainetti's Freaks Out did even better in terms of numbers, winning six awards.

The best lead actor prize went to Silvio Orlando for his performance in 'Ariaferma', while Swamy Rotolo prevailed in the best lead actress category for her role in 'A Chiara'.

The temporary ban on flights to 11 airports in the southern and central part of Russia has been extended until May 13, Report informs referring to Russia's Federal Air Transport Agency (Rosaviatsiya).

Flights to the airports of Anapa, Belgorod, Bryansk, Voronezh, Gelendzhik, Krasnodar, Kursk, Lipetsk, Rostov-on-Don, Simferopol and Elista are temporarily restricted. Russian airlines are recommended to organize the transportation of passengers on alternative routes using the airports of Sochi, Volgograd, Mineralnye Vody, Stavropol and Moscow. The rest of the Russian airports are working in their usual mode.

The ban on flights to airports in the southern and central part of Russia has been in effect since February 24.

The date of the "Kharibulbul" International Folklore Festival - the first major event of the "Year of Shusha" - has been determined.

The Ministry of Culture told Report that the festival would be held on May 12-14 by the Ministry of Culture, the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, and the Shusha City State Reserve.

The next Vagif Poetry Days are planned to be held in Shusha in July, the final stage of the Mugham TV Competition, and the gala concert of the winners in July-August. It is also expected to organize international art festivals "Shusha - 2022" and "4 seasons of Shusha".

For the first time since the liberation of Shusha from occupation, the "Kharibulbul" festival was held on May 12 and 13, 2021.

Azerbaijan’s Culture Minister Anar Karimov and relevant senior U.S. officials have met to discuss Karabakh’s rehabilitation and cultural cooperation, the minister wrote on his Twitter account on May 4.

“Excellent meeting with Assistant Secretary of State for Educational and Cultural Affairs [U.S. Department of State] to advance our bilateral cultural cooperation with the U.S. Pleased to inform ASS about our efforts to restore cultural heritage in Karabakh and brand new initiative Peace4Culture,” Karimov stressed.

As a part of his official visit to the country, the Azerbaijani delegation led by Karimov met with a number of relevant U.S. officials, representatives of cultural institutions, as well as attended several cultural events, the Culture Ministry reported on its website.

“We had a very lively and productive debate with leading U.S. think tanks on Azerbaijan’s cultural diplomacy, our new initiative Peace4Culture, and efforts to rehabilitate cultural heritage in liberated territories of Karabakh. I thank the think tanks for very interesting proposals,” Karimov stressed.

The minister discussed cultural and scientific cooperation with representatives of the Smithsonian Institute, the world’s largest group of museums and education and research centers, created by the U.S. government for the increase and diffusion of knowledge.

“Excellent meeting at Smithsonian institute with Kevin Gover and Ambassador Richard Kurin to discuss the perspectives of our cooperation in research, cultural heritage, museums and archaeology. Thankful to Institute for inspiring exchange,” Karimov tweeted about the meeting.

Furthermore, Karimov met Joan Wicks, the Middle East Department Head of the U.S. Library of Congress in Washington.

Several meetings were held after the walk to get acquainted with the library. A number of books on Azerbaijan’s rich and colorful history and culture were also presented to Lanisa Kitchiner, Head of Africa and Middle East Department of the Library of Congress, the ministry said.

The delegation was also informed about the library's Azerbaijani history and culture corner, where the research on Azerbaijan is carried out. Mujgan Nazimova made a presentation on the Azerbaijani collection and catalogues of the Library.

Expressing gratitude to the management and staff of the library for the wide and interesting presentations, Karimov stressed that close cooperation will be continued between the countries.

“Delighted to start my visit to the U.S. by visiting the Library of Congress and meeting with officials to discuss our forthcoming projects. Very pleased to donate some books reflecting history, art, culture and heritage of Azerbaijan to Library. There is huge untapped potential for cooperation,” Karimov underlined

Later, the minister visited the Holocaust Memorial Museum as part of an official visit to the United States.

After getting acquainted with the exhibits, he discussed a number of issues with U.S. Holocaust Memorial Council Chairman Stuart Eizenstat.

Speaking about the multicultural values ​​of Azerbaijan, Karimov recalled the Jewish community that has lived and worked in Azerbaijan for centuries.

The minister said that the Guba Genocide Memorial Complex in Azerbaijan is always remembered with deep respect as a symbol of the genocide committed against Azerbaijanis and Jews. Today, the Holocaust is even mentioned in school textbooks.

For many years, Azerbaijan has hosted conferences and various events dedicated to the fight against anti-Semitism, he added.

During the meeting, the importance of the Holocaust Memorial Museum in transmitting the genocide against Jews to future generations was discussed. They also stressed the importance of future cooperation with the Guba Genocide Memorial Complex in this area, the discovery and promotion of archival materials, and the exchange of information.

“Very good exchange with Chair of the Holocaust Museum Ambassador Eisenstat on Azerbaijan’s experience of peaceful coexistence and our joint efforts against anti-Semitism. We are proud of hosting one of the oldest Jewish communities in the world. Impressed by visiting museum’s exhibitions,” Karimov highlighted.

Afterwards, Karimov attended the concert program of a music group led by famous jazz singer, pianist Amina Figarova.

“We continue to celebrate International Jazz Day 2022 with a wonderful concert of Azerbaijani jazz musicians at the Meridian International Center in Washington DC. Figarova and her band performed the famous song “Lachin” from Karabakh. Many thanks to the Embassy of Azerbaijan in the U.S. and Ambassador Khazar Ibrahim for this opportunity,” the minister stressed.

A bust of legendary Azerbaijani dramatist Huseyn Javid was presented to the U.S.-Azerbaijan Chamber of Commerce (USACC), Karimov wrote on his Twitter page.

"On the occasion of the 140th anniversary of the outstanding Azerbaijani playwright and hero of the Azerbaijani people Huseyn Javid we presented his bust to the U.S.-Azerbaijan Chamber of Commerce," the minister said.

He said that the sides discussed the necessity of studying Javid's legacy in both Azerbaijan and the United States.

The Iguazú Falls in South America are heralded as the most dramatic and among the most monumental waterfalls in the world, tumbling over the cliffs on the border with the Argentine province of Misiones and Brazilian state of Paraná.

Iguazu Falls are undoubtedly the most visited place and one of the most imposing natural attractions in Argentina and the world.

These falls in Argentina and Brazil managed to attract so much attention that almost at the same time they were declared National Parks (1934 in Argentina and 1939 in Brazil).

UNESCO declared the Iguazu Falls as World Heritage Site in 1984, and reaffirmed as Exceptional Universal Value in 2013.

Iguazu Falls have allowed the development of local economies, making the city of Puerto Iguazu and Foz de Iguazu grow and improve the quality of life of its inhabitants.

Baku Photography House has summed up the results of the photo contest.

The project was co-organized by the Icharishahar State Historical-Architectural Reserve and the Azerbaijan Photographers Union (APU).

The photo contest was timed to coincide with the International Day of Monuments and Historic Sites.

The International Day for Monuments and Sites is held on April 18 each year to promote awareness about the need to conserve monuments and sites. 

Around 50  photographers captured some of the iconic sights of the Old City.

The jury looked through the 500 photographs taken with a photo camera and a phone camera.

The jury included the director of the Icharishahar Museum Center Amina Melikova, the head of the Baku Photography House Yusif Abdullayev, members of the  Azerbaijan Photographers Union (APU) Rustam Huseynov, Vugar Ibadov, Konul Suleymanova.

In the mobilography, the first place went to Natali Gabibova who captured  the Old City's flora and fauna. Leyla Mammadova took second place for her photo inspired by the Old City's life while Zarifa Ibadova came third with her photo work dedicated to the Old City` museums. 

In the photography category,  Nadezhda Javadova ( the Old City's life) took first place, Gunay Mammadov ( the Old City's flora and fauna) ranked second while Nariman Karimov (the Old City' museums). 

The winners were awarded certificates and memorable gifts.

Baku Photography House opened in 2019 in the old Zanjerli Bina mansion with the support of the Icharishahar Historical-Architectural Reserve.

There are four exhibition halls in the photography house. All expositions are devoted to documentary, national and world photographic art.

In addition to the regular photographic exhibitions, Baku Photography House holds photography courses, creative evenings, lectures, master classes and photo tours.

"Inner City" was the name of the first exhibition of Baku Photography House. The project presented a century and a half long dialogue between the city and the photographer.

The exposition featured the photo collections of two "time travelers" - Sanan Alasgarov and Bahruz Huseynzade.

The artist and researcher Bahruz Huseynzade has been collecting pictures for 15 years. His collection today includes hundreds of original photographs from the late 19th - early 20th century, as well as an archive of about 20,000 prints and digital copies.

The collection of photographer Sanan Alaskarov was created in Icharishahar, where he was born and raised.

Shusha is known as Azerbaijan's centuries-old musical center. The city became fame as a school of folk music masters in all Caucasus. 

The city was called "the South Caucasus conservatory" as dozens of outstanding musicians were the natives of Shusha city. 

Inspired by musical legacy left by Shusha musicians, People's Artist Arif Huseynov has created a series of paintings  "Susha's prominent musical figures".

The exhibition organized by the Azerbaijan Artists' Union took place at the Baku Slavic University.

A minute of silence was observed to honor the memory of Karabakh wars martyrs who restored Azerbaijan's territorial integrity.

Susha's prominent musical figures

The theme of Karabakh has a special place in Arif Huseynov's art.

More than 15 beautiful paintings were showcased as part the exhibition.

Speaking about the exhibition, Arif Huseynov said that Shusha is homeland to a great number of outstanding personalities.

Through exhibition, students at the Baku Slavic University could learn more about musical legacy left by prominent cultural figures. 

Arif Huseynov's  art works are dedicated to such eminent figures as Uzeyir Hajibyli, Jabbar Garyagdioghlu, Seyid Shushinsky, Islam Abdullayev, Gurban Pirimov and Mashadi Jamil Amirov, etc.

Moreover, the artist donated reproductions of his paintings to the university.

Meanwhile, Arif Huseynov's s brilliantly illustrates both classical and contemporary literary examples.

His series of paintings on national folklore, tradition, material and cultural examples can be considered as a new and creative look on Azerbaijan's ancient miniatures.

In his art, Arif Huseynov reflects the rich inner world and traditions of the Azerbaijani people.

Arif Huseynov's works have been successfully showcased in  Baku, Moscow, Prague, Istanbul, Tokyo.

His art pieces  are kept in the National Art Museum, the State Art Gallery, the Moscow State Museum of Oriental Art as well as in private collections.

Over the years, the artist spends part of his time working with the young generation. He is preparing a new generation of talented artists. 

Baku Jazz Festival has been represented at the Jazzahead International Jazz Trade Fair in Germany.

Jazzahead is an annual trade fair and festival which serves as a meeting point for the international jazz scene. The trade fair takes place annually at the end of April in Bremen.

Since 2006, the event has grown to include a culture festival in and around Bremen as well as the four-day trade fair.

The project offers agencies, labels, artists, media, producers and concert promoters an occasion to make new contacts.

Azerbaijan at Jazzahead International Jazz Trade Fair

The Baku Jazz Festival has been participating in the Jazzahead International Jazz Trade Fair since its foundation.

Azerbaijan was represented at the large-scale event by Afgan Rasul and Diana Hajiyeva. For the first time, the duet was presented on the stage of the Baku Jazz Festival in 2021.

The duo could create an exciting atmosphere at the concert that won't soon be forgotten.

Meanwhile, the national pavilion showcased  numerous publications that highlight Azerbaijan's jazz history and acclaimed jazz musicians.

Famous jazzman and saxophonist, Honored Artist Rain Sultanov also took part in the Jazzahead International Jazz Trade Fair.

Moreover,  the Baku Jazz Festival  has announced the selection for "I am Jazzman!" International Competition for Young Jazz Musicians.

The music contest  is open for 14-30 years old musicians. The project aims to reveal young talents among beginner musicians who love jazz music.

The competition serves as a great platform for future professional jazz music.

Notably,  the Baku Jazz Festival has become an essential part of the musical life in Azerbaijan.

The jazz festival was initiated by saxophonist Rain Sultanov to showcase Azerbaijan's long-running attachment to jazz.

The first ever Baku Jazz Festival was held in 2005 since then it has grown to be widely recognized as one of the country's leading festivals.

In 2021, Baku Jazz Festival differed from the traditional one as it was held in a club format amid a coronavirus pandemic.

World-famous musicians from Azerbaijan, the Netherlands, Azerbaijan, Hungary, Turkey, Russia, Israel and Luxembourg performed at the festival.

By tradition, the festival hosted concerts in different kinds of jazz music from recognized classics to ethno-jazz.

Leyla Ahmadova's fashion show  turned into a feast of style and music. With their vibrant looks, models on the runway mesmerized both fashionistas and jazz lovers.

Azerbaijani artist Margarita Karimova-Sokolova continues to enjoy international success.

The national artist has been awarded with the International Art Prize Caravaggio- Great Master of Art. 

The artist was invited to take part in the International Prize Caravaggio at the awarding ceremony of the Leonardo da Vinci "Universal Artist" Award. 

By this time, she had a series of ten works "Dreams about Caravaggio" that the artist decided to submitted to the competition.

The organizers chose her work "Medusa Gorgon" and Margarita Karimova-Sokolova was presented with the International Art Prize Caravaggio-Great Master of Art for special merits in artistic activity.

The awarding ceremony  took place in the Museo Nazionale Scienza e Tecnologia Leonardo da Vinci in Milan.

Earlier, Margarita Karimova-Sokolova received the Leonardo da Vinci "Universal Artist" Award and Olympic Artistic Award 2021.

"Receiving the international Leonardo da Vinci award means that your art has been recognized at the international level. This is one of the most prestigious international art prizes awarded to artists for their artistic and stylistic research in art," said Margarita Karimova-Sokolova.

The artist was awarded a prize for the composition - the triptych "Berlin Saga".

Meanwhile, the Olympic Artistic Award rewards artists, sculptors, photographers, graphic designers, etc. The prize is designed to  bring creative competition back to the Olympics.

Each honored artist receives a plaque with his name, medal and parchment. In addition, the artist's paintings will be published in the Art Olympic Prize catalog and in the Art International Contemporary Magazine.

Margarita Karimova-Sokolova was born in Baku. Her great-grandfather was a famous Russian artist Ivan Ivanovich Sokolov. She studied at the art and graphic faculty of the Kuban University and the Academy of Arts named after Repin (St. Petersburg).

She is a Member of Azerbaijan Union of Artists and the USSR (since 1969). She is also a member of UNESCO International Federation of Artists, member of the International Art Fund of the Russian Academy of Arts, Vice-President of the International Foundation for Aesthetic Development, member of the International Association of Artists.

Since 1965, Margarita has participated in exhibitions of Soviet and Azerbaijani artists in various cities of the USSR, Algeria, Germany, U.S., France, Cuba, Austria, Poland, and Bulgaria.

In 1994-1995, she lived and worked in the U.S. (Philadelphia, New York, Chicago). Since 1995, she has been living in the city of Cologne (Germany). Her exhibitions are held with great success in many countries.