Qafar Rzayev | Mên and Men
29 Dezembro a 22 Fevevereiro
Qafar Rzayev | Mên and Men
9 January – 22 February 2025
Deeply rooted in his Azeri heritage, Qafar expresses through his artistic practice his aspirations for a more inclusive and egalitarian society. The project "Mên and Men" ("Mên" means "I" in Azerbaijani) delves into the complex tapestry of masculinity, exploring its intersection with emotion, sensitivity, and societal expectations.
Through the intersection of painting and personal narratives, the artist explores his own experiences of growing up within the confines of rigid masculine norms in Azerbaijan. The series of 14 paintings narrates a story of transformation—from being constrained by societal expectations to embracing an authentic self. These works capture moments of conflict, liberation, and self-discovery, portraying the emotional complexity of breaking free from patriarchal rules. They delve into the contrasting influences of the artist′s parents: his mother as a source of resilience and empowerment, and his father as a reminder of the struggles often hidden within traditional masculinity.
This project celebrates resilience and the transformative power of personal relationships, confronting the emotional toll of societal expectations while offering a vision of hope and change. “Mên and Men” pays tribute to the strength required to fight ingrained systems and reflects on the complexities of familial relationships.
Through the intersection of painting and personal narratives, the artist explores his own experiences of growing up within the confines of rigid masculine norms in Azerbaijan. The series of 14 paintings narrates a story of transformation—from being constrained by societal expectations to embracing an authentic self. These works capture moments of conflict, liberation, and self-discovery, portraying the emotional complexity of breaking free from patriarchal rules. They delve into the contrasting influences of the artist′s parents: his mother as a source of resilience and empowerment, and his father as a reminder of the struggles often hidden within traditional masculinity.
This project celebrates resilience and the transformative power of personal relationships, confronting the emotional toll of societal expectations while offering a vision of hope and change. “Mên and Men” pays tribute to the strength required to fight ingrained systems and reflects on the complexities of familial relationships.
BIO: Born in the city of Ganja, Azerbaijan, Qafar Rzayev currently roams Europe. His artistic journey has been a constant exploration of concepts and social engagements. He graduated in Fine Arts from Ganja State University (2016) and in 2017 attended the ARTIMLAB studio program in Baku, Azerbaijan, which played a fundamental role in the formation of his first artistic initiatives.
His work has gained international recognition through various projects and artistic residencies: in 2023 he collaborated with Zaratan (Lisbon, Portugal) and the community center Hirvitalo (Tampere, Finland); in 2022, the Konvent Residency Program (Barcelona, Spain); in 2021 Berlin Art Institute Residency Program, in 2019 Art Intensive Program (Odessa, Ukraine). His art transcends borders, creating connections and dialogues in a wide variety of cultural contexts: from the Jewish Cultural Festival (Krakow, Poland), to the International Art Camp X&Beyond (Leipzig, Germany), and the 7th International Public Art Festival Art Prospect Treasure Hunt (Saint Petersburg, Russia). Among the residency programs he has participated in, the Konvent Residency Program (Barcelona, Spain) in 2022, the Berlin Art Institute Residency Program in 2021, and the Art Intensive Program (Odessa, Ukraine) in 2019 stand out. He has exhibited his work extensively in Europe, in various spaces. Among others: Galerie DIX9 (Paris - France, 2019), Simia Espacio (Vigo - Spain, 2019), Centro Cultural de Nea Ionia (Volos - Greece, 2018). During the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020, he presented his work in a series of online exhibitions, including "I Might Be Staring at Infinity or the backs of my own eyelids)" at Yarat Contemporary Art Space, "Capsula" at Colectivo Equis Mexico, and "Calling Across the Distance" at Emergent Art Space.
His work has gained international recognition through various projects and artistic residencies: in 2023 he collaborated with Zaratan (Lisbon, Portugal) and the community center Hirvitalo (Tampere, Finland); in 2022, the Konvent Residency Program (Barcelona, Spain); in 2021 Berlin Art Institute Residency Program, in 2019 Art Intensive Program (Odessa, Ukraine). His art transcends borders, creating connections and dialogues in a wide variety of cultural contexts: from the Jewish Cultural Festival (Krakow, Poland), to the International Art Camp X&Beyond (Leipzig, Germany), and the 7th International Public Art Festival Art Prospect Treasure Hunt (Saint Petersburg, Russia). Among the residency programs he has participated in, the Konvent Residency Program (Barcelona, Spain) in 2022, the Berlin Art Institute Residency Program in 2021, and the Art Intensive Program (Odessa, Ukraine) in 2019 stand out. He has exhibited his work extensively in Europe, in various spaces. Among others: Galerie DIX9 (Paris - France, 2019), Simia Espacio (Vigo - Spain, 2019), Centro Cultural de Nea Ionia (Volos - Greece, 2018). During the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020, he presented his work in a series of online exhibitions, including "I Might Be Staring at Infinity or the backs of my own eyelids)" at Yarat Contemporary Art Space, "Capsula" at Colectivo Equis Mexico, and "Calling Across the Distance" at Emergent Art Space.
OPEN | Thu-Sun, 4pm-8pm
GUIDED TOUR | Jan 10, 6pm
WORKSHOP FOR CHILDREN | Feb 15, 2pm
SUPPORT | República Portuguesa – Cultura / Direção-Geral das Artes
GUIDED TOUR | Jan 10, 6pm
WORKSHOP FOR CHILDREN | Feb 15, 2pm
SUPPORT | República Portuguesa – Cultura / Direção-Geral das Artes