10 Questions with Cesar Mammadov

Al-Tiba9 Art Magazine ISSUE16 | Featured Artist

Cesar Mammadov, born in 1988 in Baku, Azerbaijan, is a notable young artist. His passion for colours and shapes began early, and he was influenced by his father, renowned painter Sakit Mammadov. This familial connection deeply shaped his artistic vision, encouraging his unique expression. Mammadov's formal training at the Art School named after A. Azimzade and the Academy of Arts of Azerbaijan honed his skills. His work is celebrated both in Azerbaijan and internationally. Exhibited in renowned venues, his art captures ordinary moments and celebrates life's simple joys, showcasing a distinctive style that resonates globally.

cesarmammadov.com | @cesar_mammadov

ARTIST STATEMENT

Cesar Mammadov captures ordinary moments from his travels and home country, influenced by his father's legacy and Azerbaijani culture. His technique masterfully controls lines, light, and perspective, recreating landscapes from Paris to Venice and Bilbao. Water, symbolizing life's source, recurs in his serene depictions of canals, ports, and rain. His bold brushstrokes and saturated colors convey optimism and celebrate diversity and harmony. Mammadov's art invites viewers to appreciate life's simple joys, portraying everyday scenes like fishermen on docks or bustling riverbeds with realism. His work offers unique perspectives, slightly flattening aerial views for a contemporary twist.

***Rainy Evening***, oil on canvas, 40x30 cm, 2019 © Cesar Mammadov

AL-TIBA9 ART MAGAZINE ISSUE16

INTERVIEW

Welcome back to Al-Tiba9. What have you been up to since we last hosted you?

Thank you, it's a pleasure to be back at Al-Tiba9. Since we last met, I've been focusing intensely on my work, drawing inspiration from various sources and channeling it into new paintings. This period has been incredibly productive, allowing me to explore new techniques and themes in my art. I'm excited to continue this creative journey and push my boundaries further. I'm looking forward to sharing my latest work with you all and connecting with the community here at Al-Tiba9.

Since our last interview, can you tell us about your new projects and how they have evolved your artistic journey?

Since our last interview, I've been involved in several exciting projects and exhibitions that have significantly contributed to my artistic journey. I had the opportunity to showcase my work at the 'Symposium of Eminent of the Turkic World Dedicated to the National Salvation of Azerbaijan' in my hometown of Baku, which was an incredible experience. Additionally, I participated in The Other Art Fair in Dallas, and actually, I got invited to be part of the same fair again, this time in London! Additionally, my paintings will be exhibited at the Wunderkammern Gallery during Milan Fashion Week, which I'm quite excited about. I'm looking forward to the next few months, as they promise to be very exciting.

How has your work changed or matured since our previous conversation?

Over the past year, the most significant event for my people occurred—we finally reclaimed our lands after 30 years of occupation. This has had a profound psychological impact on every Azerbaijani, including myself. While I'm not a politician, the feeling of satisfaction from the triumph of justice naturally influences everything, especially one's creative work. This inner joy subtly permeates into my art.
As for my technique, I have chosen not to change it. These are the unique elements of my style that I plan to deepen and refine further. What remains crucial in my work is the ability to see things differently—focusing on details that others might overlook, capturing what is unseen but essential. Interestingly, my graphic work has recently taken on a more significant role in my creative process, which is somewhat new for me.
I'm not entirely sure what has led to this shift—perhaps the precision and focus required in painting naturally drew me towards graphic art. However, this doesn't mean I've lost interest in painting.

Have there been any new influences or inspirations that have significantly impacted your recent works?

Although I travel frequently to various countries, I can't say for certain that this alone has sparked something new within me for my recent works. However, I do believe that it has played a significant role in my life. I'm fascinated by different types of people and various landscapes, especially urban landscapes, architecture, and the styles of different cities and countries.
I take great pleasure in studying how the characteristics and types of people influence their cities and living environments. However, I still haven't fully grasped whether nature has a greater impact on these places or if it's the people themselves. I tend to think that the nature of a people is reflected in their countries, homes, and architecture—for instance, those with colder temperaments live in colder climates and construct buildings that align with their temperament. It's incredibly intriguing for me to explore these nuances and incorporate them consciously into my creative work.

Reflecting on your journey since our last interview, what key lessons have you learned, and how have they shaped your approach to art?

Reflecting on my journey since our last interview, I've learned the importance of embracing change and staying open to new influences. Each exhibition and project has taught me to push my creative boundaries and experiment with different techniques, which has been crucial in evolving my artistic style. I've also realized the value of connecting with diverse audiences, as their feedback and perspectives have enriched my work in unexpected ways. These experiences have reinforced my belief in the power of art to communicate and resonate across cultures, inspiring me to create pieces that speak to universal themes while staying true to my vision.

You have also been exhibiting extensively. How was the reception of your recent works compared to your earlier pieces, and what feedback has most surprised you?

Exhibiting my work extensively has allowed me to see how my recent pieces resonate with audiences compared to my earlier works. The reception has been incredibly positive, with many viewers appreciating the evolution in my style and the depth of emotion conveyed in my new projects. What surprised me most was the feedback highlighting the boldness and experimentation in my recent pieces, as many people noted a dynamic energy that wasn't as pronounced in my earlier work. This response has encouraged me to continue exploring new techniques and pushing the boundaries of my artistic expression.

Last year, we witnessed many innovations, from digital art to AI. What do you think of these recent changes? Are you interested in experimenting with these new mediums?

The recent innovations in digital art and AI have opened up exciting new possibilities for artists. While I don't incorporate AI into my work, I find it to be a fascinating area that offers unique opportunities for creativity and experimentation. I believe AI can bring a fresh perspective and help artists explore ideas that might be difficult to achieve with traditional methods. Although I'm not actively looking into it right now, I am open to exploring these new mediums in the future, as they could provide interesting ways to enhance and expand my artistic practice.

What new directions or projects are you excited to pursue in the coming year?

At this moment, I'm focused on preparing for the projects and exhibitions I have lined up for this fall. As I mentioned, I'm particularly excited about showcasing my work during Milan Fashion Week at the Wunderkammern Gallery and exhibiting at the Royal Society of Marine Artists in the Mall Galleries in London this September. In October, I'll also be participating in The Other Art Fair in London. As for the coming year, I'm still in the planning stages and exploring potential directions and projects. There's a lot to consider, and I'm eager to see where my artistic journey will take me next.

Where do you see yourself and your work in five years from now?

In five years, I see myself continuing to evolve as an artist, deepening my exploration of the unique techniques and themes that define my work. I envision further refining my ability to capture the unseen nuances of urban landscapes and human influence on their environments. My goal is to expand my reach, sharing my art with a broader international audience while staying true to my creative vision. I also anticipate embracing new mediums and influences, pushing the boundaries of my expression to create works that resonate on a universal level.

Lastly, what is the best advice you received recently that you would like to pass on to other artists?

Recently, the best advice I received was to embrace the unexpected and stay open to new opportunities, even if they seem outside my usual scope. As artists, we often thrive on routine and comfort zones, but stepping into unfamiliar territory can lead to incredible growth and inspiration. This advice has encouraged me to take more creative risks and experiment with new ideas, and I believe it can benefit other artists as well.

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