Four Azerbaijani Artists on Display at the IMf Atrium Gallery

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – July 15, 2004.  Art Society of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) opened an exhibition featuring the works of four Azerbaijani artists at the Atrium Gallery of the IMF. The exhibition was organized by The U.S. Azerbaijan Chamber of Commerce (USACC), The Art Society of the IMF and Qiz Qalasi Art Gallery in Baku.

More than 150 guests including members of the diplomatic community, representatives of the IMF, business community and government officials attended the event, basking in the forceful works of Azerbaijani artists Sabina Shikhlinskaya, Museyib Amirov, Eliyar Alimirzayev, and Shahin Shikhaliyev. 

The exhibition – titled “Rassam” (Az - Artist) features 16 works of contemporary art.  The event was accompanied with Azerbaijani folk music.  

Rodrigo de Rato y Figaredo, the IMF’s Managing Director welcomed the guests, saying that he was excited to introduce the Azerbaijani artists to the IMF and the Washington community, “especially since these artists have not had much exposure in North America,” he added.  

The Azerbaijani Ambassador to the United States Mr. Hafiz Pashayev also welcomed and thanked USACC and the Art Society of IMF for organizing the event.  “Azerbaijan is known to the rest of the world for its rich energy and natural resources but not so much for its very rich culture.  I am pleased that this opportunity was made available to introduce Azerbaijani art at the IMF,” Mr. Pashayev said.  He was also pleased that the IMF and Azerbaijan are working together not only for economic reform, but for arts and culture as well. 

“This is a small representation of Azerbaijan’s rich and diverse culture and heritage,” said Seymour Khalilov, Executive Director of USACC. He thanked the Art Society of IMF, Qiz Qalasi Art Gallery in Baku, all the featured artists, and everyone involved in organizing the exhibition for their enthusiasm and hard work which made it possible to present the paintings to the IMF and the Washington community.  

The exhibition will be on display from July 15 to August 19, 2004, weekdays from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. in the second floor of the Artium Gallery of the IMF, 700 19th Street, N.W., Washington, DC. A picture ID is absolutely required to obtain a Gallery Pass at the first floor lobby security desk.  

The USACC is an independent nonprofit American organization whose purpose is to improve and broaden business cooperation, trade and investment, dialogue and friendship between the United States and Azerbaijan.

Source: USACC