Artist who speaks with the language of colors: Yashar Samadov

A personal exhibition of graphics and painting by the outstanding representative of Azerbaijani fine arts, Honored Teacher Yashar Samadov, dedicated to his 75th anniversary, was opened at the Union of Artists of Azerbaijan.

Having graduated from the Azerbaijan State Art School named after A. Azimzade and the Azerbaijan State Institute of Arts named after M.A. Aliyev, Mr Samadov dedicated his life to speaking the language of colors and expressing the voice of the soul through art. For Mr Samadov, art is not only beauty, but also a spiritual report, before God, conscience and people. On the eve of the exhibition, he artist shares his thoughts in an exclusive interview with Jamala Nakhchivani, the Editor-in-Chief of Global Art Magazine.

– Mr. Samadov, today is Your 75th anniversary and your personal creative exhibition in graphics and painting is being held. Could You share your feelings about this exhibition with us?

– For me, this exhibition is not just a demonstration of creativity, but also a report. A report of life, a report of creativity… A person actually lives with a report throughout his life. Before God, before his conscience, before his people. This exhibition is also a part of that spiritual report.

In my creativity, I have always tried to express my love for the Motherland, because for me, love for the Motherland is the beginning of everything. I always say that love, especially love for the Motherland, is like salt. Just as salt adds flavor to all dishes, so love for the Motherland adds soul and value to every type of art. If there is no love for the Motherland in a work of art, that work is soulless. But now there are works that, when you look at them, you cannot feel the identity of the author. This is very important. A work of art should express its roots, its national identity.

– You often say the phrase “you can’t betray art.” What do you mean by that?

– A person should not betray any field, any person, neither friends, nor family, nor art. Because a person who betrays art betrays his own heart. Art is a world where you express your soul, feelings, and inner world. That is why an artist must be honest.

After a person dies, the soul lives on, the body disappears, but the soul remains. The artist also creates with the soul. What is created with the soul never dies. That is why I say this. Artists are born, but they do not die. The works they create live, and this is the continuation of the soul.

Interview conducted by Jamala Nakhchivani, the Editor-in-Chief of Global Art magazine