Laza 1965

Editor: This is "Laza," an ink drawing created in 1965 by Sattar Bahlulzade. The stark contrast of black ink on what I assume is paper creates a dramatic, almost volcanic landscape. It's a place both monumental and intimate. What catches your eye when you look at this work? Curator: Monumental and intimate... that’s a delicious pairing of observations! For me, it's the restless energy in every line. The entire landscape seems to vibrate, doesn't it? Bahlulzade wasn't just depicting mountains; he was capturing their internal, geological rhythm. Does that make sense? Editor: Absolutely! It’s almost like he's revealing the raw, untamed energy *within* the mountains. How does that energetic abstraction connect with Azerbaijani art and landscape traditions of that period? Curator: That’s perceptive. While rooted in the Azerbaijani landscape, Bahlulzade was pushing against academic traditions, towards a more intuitive and expressive representation. Think of the 'Severe Style' painting movement emerging in the Soviet Union then, stripped down, powerful simplicity and honesty. You can see it in his bold strokes, and the almost frenetic mark-making here. Do you think this adds a layer of psychological intensity? Editor: I do! It reflects the emotional or psychological state more than just representing its appearance. I'm definitely seeing a deeper layer in Bahlulzade’s artistic intentions. Curator: Indeed. This isn't just *a* landscape; it's *his* landscape – intensely felt and urgently rendered. Bahlulzade whispers his secrets through ink, inviting us to listen very, very closely. Editor: It’s a landscape that stays with you long after you've stopped looking, which is, I guess, the mark of a true artist, isn't it?