The exhibition Flowers of Baku: Traces of Art Nouveau in Azerbaijan opened to the public on October 17 at Halles Saint-Géry, a vibrant cultural venue in central Brussels. Organized by the Belgian association ATABEY with the support of the Embassy of Azerbaijan to the Kingdom of Belgium, this exhibition invites visitors to explore Baku’s Art Nouveau architecture and to experience the rich artistic and cultural legacy of Azerbaijan’s capital.
The exhibition, inaugurated by acclaimed photographer Franck Depaifve, who also curated the show, combines historical images with Depaifve’s contemporary photographs, capturing intricate floral and ornamental details of Baku’s Art Nouveau buildings. His work celebrates the beauty and architectural elegance woven into the cityscape.
Depaifve shared with Travel Tomorrow: “The fusion of Art Nouveau with Islamic art is particularly fascinating. Flowers and plants feature prominently in both traditions, and in Baku, they blend beautifully.”
Art Nouveau, widely considered to have originated in Brussels, is known for its organic lines and floral motifs that appear on facades and interiors. These decorative flourishes symbolize life and nature, offering a respite from industrialization’s noise and pollution. While the movement began in Western Europe, it drew inspiration from diverse cultural elements. Depaifve’s photographs spotlight the floral patterns that reveal Baku’s unique interpretation of Art Nouveau and his appreciation for architectural details.
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Brought to Baku during the city’s oil-driven industrial boom in the late 19th century, Art Nouveau flourished as oil magnates and international merchants sought to create distinctive buildings. This exhibition delves into those structures, preserving and celebrating their architectural significance. Depaifve reflected on meeting residents who welcomed him warmly, sharing stories about their homes and Azerbaijani culture.
Preserving Azerbaijan’s cultural heritage, particularly its Art Nouveau architecture, is a national priority. Iconic sites, like the Palace of Zeynalabdin Taghiyev—now the National History Museum—and the Azerbaijan State Opera and Ballet Theatre, undergoing major restoration, reflect this commitment. Depaifve has a special admiration for the Palace of Taghiyev, describing it as “a place where all cultures converge and blend.”
Guests at the opening enjoyed conversations with Depaifve, gaining insight into his artistic inspiration. Halles Saint-Géry’s welcoming atmosphere, with seating areas and a bar, offers visitors a place to unwind and ponder Baku’s Art Nouveau legacy.
Organized by the Atabay Cultural Diplomacy Association with the support of the Azerbaijani Embassy in Belgium, the art project highlights Baku city’s heritage Art Nouveau style (Art Nouveau de la ville de Bakou).
The photographs are showcased in custom-designed frames made from afzelia wood, intricately carved with Congolese motifs that were adapted by the Belgian Art Nouveau movement. This merging of elements allows Baloji to illustrate how the architectural style — and by extension, Belgium’s cultural and economic landscape — was deeply shaped by its colonial relationship with the Congo, revealing the intertwined legacy of aesthetics and colonial economics.
Admission to the exhibition is free, and it will be open through January 8, 2025, giving art and architecture enthusiasts ample opportunity to explore this captivating tribute to Baku’s Art Nouveau heritage in the heart of Brussels.
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