Mr. Eldaniz Babayev
director of the Qala Art Gallery

It  is  already  tree  years since a new Qala   appeared   in   Icheri   Sheher which is famous throughout the world for  its   unusual   fortress   walls  and architectural   monuments.   This   is   the  Qala  Arts Gallery established by the Culture Department of the Baku City Executive Authorities. It  opened  on 25th October 1998 presenting the Azerbaijan - Vision of Young Artists art show. During these tree years Qala has  taken  its  own  place  among  our  city's  culture organizations.  

So, nearly 30  painting,  sculpture, drawing,  applied  arts   and   photo  exhibitions  have  been  held  here during  this  period.  Creative  meetings,  discussions and presentations are held in the  gallery  along  with private and joint  exhibitions. Outstanding  artists  as  well as young painters are among the gallery members.  

All   these  activities,  in  general, accelerate the development of Azerbaijan' s fine arts as well as their popularization. With this purpose the Qala Art  Gallery  attempts  to  expand  cooperation with art galleries from other countries. So, the gallery has exchanged exhibitions with galleries from Turkey, Iran and Russian. With the cooperation of the Foreign Relations Department of Baku City Executive, exhibition of Georgian artists as well as an exhibition dedicated to Egypt was held here in 1999 - 2000, in 2001 and 2002 exhibitions were also held to highlight the work of Indian doll craftsmen and the country of Romania. 

We hope that Qala will have its own path in Azerbaijan's culture. We are confident that the gallery will present us with new exhibitions in future, too.

Mr. Omar Eldarov
Rector of the Azerbaijan State Art Academy, People's Artist, Academician

The Gala Art Gallery, which is situated among the fortress walls in the incomparable Old City famous for its grandiose historical monuments, is one of the cultural centres popularizing modern Azerbaijani fine arts. The gallery opened in 1998 and since that time it has organized exhibitions of both famous and talented young artists and sculptors. This is already the gallery's tradition. It is worthy of note that the gallery does not restrict its activity to the above-mentioned, but also seeks ways to expand spheres of activity. For example, the gallery organizes joint exhibitions, meetings and musical events with the help of foreign embassies. These events assist the expansion of friendly relations between various countries.

Along with the organization of exhibitions of different artists, the Gala Art Gallery publishes their joint and separate catalogues. This is one of the best ways to popularize our arts.

The current edition presents information about 40 artists, who are working in various genres and techniques, as well as examples of their works. I would like to especially note that the majority of these artists are teachers and students of the Azerbaijani Art Academy which celebrates its first anniversary this year. And this is bright confirmation of the current development of Azerbaijan's fine arts.

List of painters:

Jabbar Qasimov

1935 - born in Baku 1956 - graduated from the A.Azimzadeh Azerbaijan State Art school  1963 - graduated from the Moscow State Art institute 1963 - member of the V.Surikov USSR Artists Union 1982 - awarded the title of honorary artist of Azerbaijan 1969 - head of the posters studio in the Azerbaijan State Art Academy 1975 - chairman of the poster section of the Azerbaijan Artists Union  Recently involved in easel painting. His works are in private collections in u, USA, France, Moscow, Germany, Iran.

Jamil Guliev

1933 - born in Agdam town.  1959 - graduated from the A.Azimzadeh. Azerbaijan State Art School (Baku city).  1967 - finished the State art institute (Tashkent city). 1970 - member of USSR Artists Union.  1960 - 1990 participated in various exhibitions in Baku, Moscow.  Currently he is occupied in graphics, oil paintings work. His works are kept in private collections in Turkey, USA, Moscow, Italy.

Mirteyyub Khalilov

1938 - born in Baku. 1968 - graduated from the State University of Culture and Art. 1972 - member of USSR Artists Union. Currently teacher in the Azerbaijan State School of Art. His works have been exhibited in Russia, Poland, Germany.

Yavush Kerimov 

1938 - born in Lenkoran  1960 - graduated from the A.Azimzadeh Azerbaijan State Art School (Baku city).  1968 - member of USSR artists union. Currenly teacher in the Azerbaijan State School of Art He works on easel painting. His works are exhibited in Germany. Yugoslavia, Holland, Turkey.

Alisettar Selimov 

1941 - born in Baku. 1967 - graduated from the A.Azimzadeh Azerbaijan State Art School (Baku city). 1968 - member of USSR artists union. He works on easel painting. His works were exhibited in Germany, Yugoslavia, Spain, Austria, Cuba, Korea, Mongolia. His works are kept in the State Tretiyakov Gallery in Moscow.

Adil Rustemov 

1943 - born in Baku. 1965 - graduated from the A.Azimzadeh Azerbaijan State Art School. 1973 - the M.Aliyev Azerbaijan University of Arts. 1975 - member of the Union of Artists 1981 - joint exhibition, 3 graphics artists 1985 - Arktika private exhibition I991 - "Lyric and poetry" private exhibition 1993 - laureate of the Mammad Azaz competition. 1994 - "Aliaga Vahid - 100" private exhibition. 1996 - "Fizuli - 500" private exhibition 1997 - The prize of Humay 1996 - the International exhibition BIENAL - graphics 99 in Novosibirsk. 2000 - Azerbaijan and Turkey private exhibition. At present he's a lecturer at the Arts Academy.

Farman Gulamov 

1945 - born in Astara, Azerbaijan. 1967 - graduated from the Azim - Azimzadeh Azerbaijani State Art School. 1976 - graduated from the Tbilisi Academy of Arts. 1973 - participant in - Union and Foreign exhibitions. 1993 - personal exhibition in Fulendorf (Germany). 1993 - joint exhibition at the "East Gallery" Moscow (Eastern Gallery). 1994 - 1 st prize for best work in 1993. He has exhibited in France, Germany, Poland, Finland, Turkey, Iran and Algeria. His work are found in collections at the public Tretiyakovsky Gallery, in the Public Museum of Eastern Peoples. Currently lecturer in the Azerbaijan State Art Academy.

Arif Aziz 

Professor of the Azerbaijan State Culture and Art University 1943 - born in Baku 1966 - graduated from the Azim Azimzadeh Azerbaijan State Art School 1971 - graduated from the Stroganov Moscow Supreme Art Industry institute, industrial graphics department 1975 - member of the Azerbaijan Artists Union 1981 - member of the Azerbaijan DesignersUnion 1985 - awarded " of Honour" order 1995 - vice - president of the Azerbaijan Advertisers Union 1996 - Bayoglu Municipality gallery, Istanbul, personal exhibition 1997 - AtaturK Culture Centre, n international exhibition His works are exhibited and Kept in private collections in India, Sri - Ln, u, USA, France, Germany, Finland, Iran and Russia. He is currently the prorector of the Azerbaijan State Culture and Art University.

Asif Azerelli 

1946 - born in Ugurbayli village of Barda district in Azerbaijan. 1970 - Graduated, A.Azimzadeh school of Art. 1976 - received a prize from of Union of Artists of former USSR. 1980 - graduated from Academy of Art in Tbilisi. 1980 - became a member of Artists union of former USSR. 1983 - 84 was a participant in International exhibition organized by UNESCO Currently works as a lecturer in Azerbaijan Academy of Arts His works are displayed in France, Germany, Iran, Ukraine, Russia, Turkey and Uzbekistan.

Yashar Samadov 

1950 - Born in Baku 1970 - Graduated from A.Azimzadeh Azerbaijan State Art School. 1978 - Graduated from M.Aliyev Azerbaijan State Art institute. 1982 - Teasher University of Architecture Azerbaijan. 1997 - Member of the Artists Union of Azerbaijan 1998 - Exhibition "Maus Ketti", Luxemburg. 1999 - III international Exlibris Graphic Contest, Poland. 2000 - "M.K.Ciurlioniui 125" Exhibition, Latvia. 2001 - Exhibition, 10th Anniversary of independence for Azerbaijan. 2001 - Portrait Exhibition, u.  2001 - Republic Caricature Exhibition, u.  Currently working on graphic art.

Esmiralda Tagizadeh 

1954 - born in Baku 1972 - Graduated from A.Azimzadeh State Art School. 1979 - Graduated from M.Aliyev Azerbaijan State Art institute, Faculty of Decorative Art. 1989 - Open Exhibition, Moscow. 1997 - Member of Artists' Union of Azerbaijan. 2000 - Solo Exhibition, u. 2001 - Solo Exhibition, u Her works are in private collections in Germany, u and France. Currently working on collage and graphic art.

Kerim Jalal 

1944 - born in Fizuli Azerbaijan 1971 - Graduated from the A.Azimzadeh Azerbaijan State Art School. 1976 - the participant of Republic exhibitions. 1978 - Graduated from the M.Aliyev Azerbaijan State Art institute. 1978 - International exhibition in Poland. 1980 - Member of the Artists Union of Azerbaij an. 1994 - personal exhibition in . His works are in private collections in USA, Germany, Iran and Holland. He currently works in easel painting.

Elshan Khajizadeh 

1947 - born in Fizuli. 1974 - graduated from the Azim Azimzadeh Azerbaijan State Art School. 1980 - graduated from the Georgian Academy of Arts. 1991 - private exhibition in Turkey. His works have been displayed in Germany, Cuba, France and Hungary. Currently he works on his oil paintings.

Shohret Alekberov 

1947 - born in Ganja town. 1969 - graduated from the A.Azimzadeh Azerbaijan State Art School. 1974 - Institute of Textile Applied Arts, Moscow, Russia. 1979 - Surikov Arts Institute, Moscow, Russia. 1995 - Exhibition, France. 1998 - Exhibition "Front Lobby Gallery", Washington, D.C.,USA. Currently he works on his oil paintings.  He is a teacher in the Baku gymnasium of Art. His works are displayed in Turkey, USA, England, Russia.

Asker Askerov 

1948 - born in Baku. 1969 - 1973 finished the Baku State School of Art. 1975 - 1980 graduated from the Azerbaijan University of Art. 1984 - member of the former USSR Union of Artists. 1994 - Azerbaijan member of the Union of Artists. 1973 - participated in international and republican exhibitions. 1973 - participated in painting, graphics, water - colour, sculpture exhibitions in Azerbaijan and abroad. His works are displayed in USA, France England, Turkey. Currently he is a teacher in The Baku gymnasium of Art.

Rasim Rzayev 

1948 - born in u 1966 - u State school of Arts 1980 - graduated from the faculty of monumental ceramics of the Belarus theatre and art institute 1986 - member of the Union of Artists of former USSR, participant in exhibitions in Germany, Italy. He currently works in easel painting.

Teyyub Yusifov 

1953 - born in Baku. 1979 - graduated from the A.Azimzadeh. Azerbaijan State Art School. 1985 - graduated from State Art Institute. 1980 - participated in art exhibitions in the republic and abroad. 1986 - member of Azerbaijan Artists Union. His works are in private collections in England, USA, Japan.

Alihuseyn Rzayev 

1942 - born in Baku 1969 - graduated from the Azim Azimzadeh Azerbaijan State Art School. 1976 - Monumental - decoration art faculty (Tashkent) His works are displayed in Cairo. 1998 - member of the Union of Artists. He currently works in easel painting.

Valeh Kerimov 

1956 - born in Ali Bayramly, Azerbaijan 1976 - graduated from the Azim Azimzadeh Azerbaijan State Art School. 1989 - graduated from the M.Aliyev Azerbaijan State Art institute, painting department. 1997 - member of the Azerbaijan Artists Union. 1981 - participant in exhibitions in Azerbaijan and abroad. His works are Kept in private collections.

Jalil Huseynov 

1957 - born in Baku. 1978 - graduated from the A.Azimzadeh Art School, Baku. 1982 - graduated from the State Art Institute, Kharkov, Ukraine. 1986 - member of USSR Artists Union. He works are exhibited in Iran, Turkey, France, Germany and Surya. Currently Pro - Rector of State Academy of Arts.

Yusif Mirza 

1959 - born in Lachin. 1981 - graduated from the artistic drawing department. 1981 - 1985 - worked as a painter in Lachin People's Theater. 1987 - exhibition "Country's youth" . Baku 1990 - festival "Caspian is the sea of friendship". Kazakhstan. 1990 - exhibition devoted to Baku days. Riga, Latvia. 1990 - exhibition of Azerbaijani artists. Nice, France. 1991 - exhibition of Azerbaijani artists. Abu - Dabi, U A E. 1994 - exhibition of young Azerbaijani and Turkish artists organized by British Petroleum Istanbul. 1996 - joint exhibition of Turkish republics artists devoted to Novruz Festival. Ankara. 1997 - exhibition in Oslo Cultural Center, Norway. 1998 - exhibition in Ataturk Cultural Center, Nicosia, North Cyprus. His works are in private collections in the USA, England, Germany, Finland, Norway, Sweden, Turkey, Iran, Cyprus, Latvia, etc.

Tariverdi Guliev 

1952 - born in Baku. 1975 - the A.Azirnzadeh State Baku School of Arts. 1988 - member of the Union of Artists of the former USSR. 1989 - participanl in international and republic exhibitions, sculptors conference. 1992 - participant in exhibitions held in England and Israel. Mr.Guliyev's paintings are in private and stale collections in Britain, Israel, France, Germany and Belgium. Currently he is involved in monumental and easel sculpture.

Larisa Povetkina 

1955 - born in Baku. 1978 - graduated from the Azerbaijan State University of Construction and Architectural faculty. 1980 - member of Union of Designers of former USSR.  1998 - participant in many Republic exhibitions. Her works are displayed in USA, Germany and Iran.  She works at easel painting.

Sabir Chopurov 

1956 - born in the Bashkechid region of Georgia. 1972 - 1975 - studied in the Baku State School of Art. 1975 - 1977 - graduated from the Academy of Art in Georgia. 1988 - the member of the Georgian Academy of Art. 1980 - participated in international exhibitions. 1986 - exhibition in Georgia. 1990 - his works were displayed in Moscow. His works are displayed in Turkey, Japan, Australia and Italy, several of his works are exhibited in Britain. He has been occupied in oil painting, graphics, decorative works.

Vadud Muazzen 

1960 - Born in Ardebil, Iran 1980 - Began professional painting activity Attended different Drawing and Art Grounds classes, Art Deco Faculty and Me'mar Sinan University of Turkey. 1990 - individual exhibition in Los Angeles 1992 - individual exhibition in France 1995 - individual exhibition in Canada He has taken part in individual and group exhibitions in Tabriz, Ururniyeh, Rasht, Anzali and Ardebil.

Namiq Alekberov 

1957 - born in Baku. 1980 - graduated from the faculty of Industrial Graphics of the Azerbaijan State Art University. 1986 - regular exhibitions within Azerbaijan. His works are in private collections in Turkey, Greece and England. At present working at his easel and in graphics.

Sabir Huseynov 

1956 - born in Zengibasar Region. 1980 - diploma of A.Azimzadeh Azerbaijan State Art school. 1987 - diploma of Tbilisi Art Academy. 1997 - member of Azerbaijan Art Association. 1993 - personal Art Show in Baku. 1993 - personal Art Show in Greece, Athens. 1995 - personal Art Show in Turkey, Istanbul. His works are kept in private collections in Germany, France, Turkey and Greece. At present - works as an easel painter.

Elmar Yavus 

1965 - born in Baku. 1985 - graduated from the Azim Azimzadeh Azerbaijan State Art School. 1988 - 94 Azerbaijan State Institute of Arts 1988 - member of the Artists Union 1991 - personal exhibition.(Baku city) 1993 - personal exhibition in "ShirvanShah's Palace". 1997 - personal exhibition. (Austria) His works are kept in private collections in Turkey, USA, Germany, National museums of Iraq, Poland, Austria.

Emrulla Israfilov 

1962 - born in Baku.  1993 - graduated from the Baku State Institute of Arts, faculty of graphics.  He is a member of the Union of Artists.  He has participated in several exhibitions in Germany, Japan, England, France, Turkey.

Erestun Shahverdiyev 

1965 - born in Shafag village, Goranboy district. 1984 - graduated from the Baku State School of Art. 1995 - graduated from the Azerbaijan State University of Art. 1996 - exhibitions in Baku. 1998 - participated in sand - sculpture competition. His works are kept in private collections in France, Germany, USA and Turkey. Currently he is occupied in graphics, oil paintings and sculpture works.

Azer Islam 

1967 - born in Baku. 1986 - graduated from the Baku State School of Art. 1994 - graduated from the Azerbaijan State University of Art. He took part in several exhibitions while he was a student. 1997 - 1999 participated in Republican exhibitions. "The image of woman", "Self portrait", "Autumn" etc. His works were displayed in Turkey and Georgia. 1997 - Member of the Azerbaijan Union of Artists.

Ramin Yavus 

1968 - born in Baku. 1986 - graduated from the A.Azimzadeh. Azerbaijan State Art School 1990 - the Alibey Husseynzadeh State University painting department, of Arts of Azerbaijan. 1998 - member of the Azerbaijan Union of Artists  His works are kept in private collections in Germany. Poland, Israel, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, Russia, Britain.

Azer Veliyev 

1967 - born in Baku 1986 - graduated from the faculty of "Art and draughtins" of the Ganja Pedagogical Technical - school 1996 - graduated from the faculty of "Art and sculpture" of the Azerbaijan, Culture and Arts University named after Alibey Husseynzadeh. 1994 - an active participant of the several exhibitions. 1997 - the member of the Azerbaijan Union of the Young Artists His works are displayed in Great Britain, USA, Holland. Teacher University of Architecture Azerbaijan. At present he is a lecturer in the architectural department of the Azerbaijan State Architecture and Construction University.

Elchin Jabbarov 

1967 - born in Baku. 1985 - graduated from A.Azimzadeh Azerbaijan State Art School. 1993 - Participant in the International and Republic exhibitions. 1997 - graduated from Azerbaijan State University of Arts, faculty of ceramics. His works are displayed in Holland, Russia, USA. Currently working on easel paintings. At present works as easel painter.

Vugar Aliev 

1970 - born in Baku. 1989 - graduated from the A.Azimzadeh Azerbaijan State Art School. 1997 - graduated from the faculty of "Industrial graphics" of the Azerbaijan State Art University. 1998 - member of the Youth Union of the Azerbaijan Artists Union.  1999 - second prize in "Azerbaijan today" poster competition. 1989 - individual exhibition in Baku. His works are in private collections in Turkey, Italy and Germany At present works as an easel painter.

Samir Gaziev 

1971 - born in Baku. 1990 - graduated from the A.Azimzadeh Azerbaijan State Art School. 1996 - graduated from the Azerbaijan State Art University sculpture department. 1997 - member of the Azerbaijan Artists Union.  1985 - Started to participate in various exhibitions in Azerbaijan and abroad. 2000 - creative training in Salzburg, Austria. 2001 - participated in "Wings of time" project within the framework of youth exhibition in Baku. His art works are in private collections in Canada, the USA, Austria, Britain, Germany, Turkey. He currently works on easel sculpture.

Vugar Haziev 

1971 - born in Baku. 1990 - Azerbaijan School of Art. 1995 - the N.Tusi State Pedagogical Institute graphics faculty. 1991 - N.Ganjevi - 500 International exhibition. 1998 - Participant in the exhibition devoted to youth day. His works are kept in private collections in Turkey, Germany, United Kingdom. At present works as easel painter.

Eldeniz Babayev 

1971 - born in Lenkoran (Azerbaijan). 1990 - graduated from the A.Azimzadeh Azerbaijan State Art School. 1990 - member of Baku Centre of Arts. 1994 - Private exhibition in Turkey. 1994 - participant in International and Republic exhibitions. 1997 - the Alibey Huseynzadeh Slate University painting department of Arts of Azerbaijan. Has diploma of Novruz - 99 poster's competition. , 1998 - general manager of Qala art gallery subordinate to the Department of Culture of the Baku Executive Power. 2002 - Member of the Azerbaijan Artists Union His works are kept in private collections in Turkey, Holland, Germany, Italy. He currently works in easel painting.

Murad Sudjeddinov 

1974 - born in Baku. 1994 - graduated from the A.Azimzadeh Azerbaijan State Art School. 1998 - graduated from the Azerbaijan State Art University sculpture department. 1994 - regular exhibitor in Republic and International exhibitions. His works are in private collections in Turkey, Germany, England and France. He currently works in sculpture.

Elman Yavus 

1971 - born in Baku. 1990 - graduated from the A.Azimzadeh Azerbaijan State Art school. 1996 - the Azerbaijan State University of Arts named after Alibey Husseynzadeh. 1996 - Private exhibition in Turkey. His works are kept in private collections in Turkey, Germany and Holland.

Farman Gasimov 

1973 - born in Gadabay district. 1993 - graduated from the A. Azimzadeh Azerbaijan State Arts School. 1998 - studied in the Azerbaijan State Arts University, ceramic department. 2001 - continued his study in the Azerbaijan State Arts Academy, sculpture department. 1993 - participated in the collective art show entitled Miracles of Khudu. His works are held in private collections in USA, Turkey, Italy. Currently works in sculpture and graphics.

Anar Aliev 

1971 - born in Baku. 1990 - graduated from the A.Azimzadeh State Art School. 1996 - graduated from the Azerbaijan State Art University, painting department. Participated in exhibition in Azerbaijan. 1998 - member of the Azerbaijan Advertising Union. 1998 - employee of the Qala Art Gallery subordinate to Baku City Executive Power's Culture Department. Works are held in private collections in Britain and Turkey. He currently works in easel painting.

Etibar Nezerli

1972 - born in 1997 - graduated from the Azerbaijan State Culture and Art University, industrial graphics department 1992 - started participating in republic and international exhibitions 1995 - member of the Azerbaijan Advertisers Union 1997 - member of the youth section of the Azerbaijan Artists Union 1998 - participant in the exhibition on drug addiction held by the Azerbaijani office of the UN and the Azerbaijan Advertisers Union 2001 - participant in the "Azerbaijan today" poster contest held by the ku Arts Centre and USA's UNOCAL company.  He is currently involved in easel painting and advertising design work.