Memories of a Woman: Ayla Asgarova exhibition is opened in Baku - PHOTO

Memories of a Woman, Ayla Asgarova solo exhibition, is opened at the NARJIH Gallery in Baku.

Ayla Asgarova was born in St. Petersburg in 2007. At the age of 11, she was admitted to a school in England, and three years later, she moved to the Grier School in Pennsylvania, USA, where she is currently pursuing her education. Earlier, Ayla initiated projects to address environmental problems, and today, Baku is hosting an exhibition exclusively for women.

The works presented at the exhibition immerse guests in the complex and impressive world of women's memories. The exhibition's goal is not only to emphasize the unique and strong links formed by women's collective memory over millennia but also to encourage each woman to think about the values she wants to pass on to future generations.

Welcoming guests, Ayla explained that this project resulted from her long reflection on how women have supported each other throughout history and how their memories and experiences are passed from one generation to the next, shaping our values.

“I remember reading Shakespeare's Much Ado About Nothing in a boring English class at the end of the school day, wondering who could be interested in it. But one thing about this play I remembered clearly was the relationship between the two main characters. Shakespeare is known for emphasizing the spirit of sisterhood and support between female characters. Her father, fiancé, and others abandon the engaged heroine when she faces false accusations of adultery. Her cousin Beatrice, however, stands by her side, firmly believing in her innocence, and fights for her honor—a rare portrayal of female solidarity in Elizabethan times. Realizing the simple essence of this play, I finally comprehended the beauty of attending an all-girls boarding school where we all feel like sisters. And what seemed so dull to me quickly took on a new meaning.

I remember going away to boarding school at the age of 11, to a foreign country with a completely different, cold English mentality. It was a difficult time, full of excitement and uncertainty. The only thing that helped me adapt was meeting my first friend. Her friendship became an anchor that kept me afloat in this new and frightening world.

I remember when I moved to America and found myself back in an all-girls boarding school. Adapting to a new environment and culture was hard, but the girls around me once again supported me. These links created during difficult times proved to me how important female solidarity is and how much it can affect our lives,” Ayla noted.

Ayla says that her reactions and feelings reflect those of the women in her family because she is the book of their collective memory: “Their experiences and emotions have been passed on to me through the generations, shaping my perception of the world. One day, my future descendants will inherit my memories and experiences. My memories and stories will become part of their inner world, woven into the fabric of their lives, just as my ancestors' memories were woven into mine.

And when I breathe, my tree—so colorful and decorated—breathes with me. Every branch of this tree belongs to every woman in my generation, and every leaf represents their lives.

It was this realization that inspired me to organize the exhibition, Memories of a Woman. The exhibition explores the memories women carry and the transmission of these memories from mother to daughter. I hope to emphasize the strength and beauty of female solidarity, as well as the unbreakable link that unites us all.

I want the audience to consider their origins, what makes them special, and how they evolved. I want to inspire you to consider your past experiences and the lessons you will carry forward into the future.

All the paintings are for sale. All proceeds from the sales will be donated to the children’s charity “Azərbaycan Uşaqları İctimai Birliyi”.

The exhibition is open for public access from August 8th until August 11th, from 12:00 to 18:00. Admission is free.

Address: NARJIH Gallery, Icheri Sheher, Boyuk Qala Street, 16.