
Farhad Farzali b. 1989
Untitled, 2020
Oil on canvas
150 x 150 cm
59 1/8 x 59 1/8 in
59 1/8 x 59 1/8 in
Copyright The Artist
Untitled is a continuation of the Kelaghayi #0000 project, specially created in 2013 for the Islamic Art Festival in Sharjah, and exhibited in January 2014. This series saw artist Farhad...
Untitled is a continuation of the Kelaghayi #0000 project, specially created in 2013 for the Islamic Art Festival in Sharjah, and exhibited in January 2014. This series saw artist Farhad Farzali immerse himself in the traditional art of Kelaghayi making in Baskal, 200 kilometers from Baku. Kelaghayis are traditional Azerbaijani silk scarves, recognized by UNESCO in 2014 for their cultural significance. These intricately crafted scarves, rooted in Azerbaijan’s rich Turkic and Islamic traditions, have been a part of the nation’s heritage since as early as the 5th and 6th centuries BC. The exhibition features deconstructed silk scarves and paintings, reflecting the Kelaghayi’s historical journey along the Great Silk Road and its symbolism in social occasions, from weddings to mourning ceremonies. The colours and patterns of Kelaghayi, deeply symbolic, embody cosmic meanings and the essence of life. Farzali’s engagement with this art form during his time in Baskal, an area renowned for its Kelaghayi craftsmanship, lends a unique authenticity to Untitled, a work completed during the 2020 pandemic, continuing the 2013 series.