A memorial evening dedicated to the People’s Artist of the USSR, Azerbaijan and Russia Tahir Salahov was held in the pavilion “Azerbaijan” at the Exhibition of Achievements of National Economy in Moscow, Russian bureau of Report informs.
The event was opened by Vice-President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation Leyla Aliyeva.
“I am very glad to welcome you at the evening in memory of the outstanding artist Tahir Salahov. It seems to me very symbolic that today’s event is being held in the pavilion “Azerbaijan” at the Exhibition of Achievements of National Economy in Moscow, a city that is as dear to Tahir Salahov as his native Baku. Though Tahir Salahov conquered the whole world with his works, the main events of his life took place in Russia and Azerbaijan. It was here that his unique style and creative character were created,” Leyla Aliyeva said..
She noted that art makes the world a better place, and thanks to Tahir Salahov's works, everyone sees his world, a bright world, full of harmony and feelings: “We were lucky to live at the same time with this amazing person, communicate with him. It is love that lives in his works. Love for the Motherland, love for nature, love for people. The heroes of Tahir Salahov are his contemporaries. These are oil workers, writers, composers. He creates not images, but people. Therefore, looking at his works, we believe and feel them. His works are real and alive, like life itself,” said Vice-President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation.
Azerbaijani Ambassador to Russia Polad Bulbuloglu noted that Tahir Salahov was a major public figure and did a lot to promote young artists: “He was a sensitive person, a great thinker, often helped with his advice not only to artists but also his friends.”
The ambassador thanked the guests for their presence at such a significant event. He highly appreciated the role of the Russian office of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation in building cultural relations between Azerbaijan and Russia.
Tahir Salahov’s grandson, artist Kaykhan Salahov, presented the video installation “Infinity” dedicated to the great master. He noted that his work is designed to attract the attention of the younger generation to the art of Tahir Salahov.
The author of the book “Dialogue,” which was presented to the guests of the memorable evening, Raya Abbasova told reporters about her history of meeting Tahir Salahov: “In the early 2000s, I interviewed him for the first time. Later we met more than once. When I was offered to work over a book dedicated to the 90th anniversary of Tahir Salahov, I agreed with great pleasure. I am infinitely grateful to Vice-President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation Leyla Aliyeva for the idea of creating a book about Tahir Salahov.”
The event was attended by prominent figures of culture, art of Azerbaijan and Russia.