The international art exhibition MAMA “Mother Nature” has opened at the State Academy of Arts of Turkmenistan in Ashgabat.
The opening ceremony was attended by Oguljahan Atabayeva, Vice President of the Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov Charitable Foundation for Assistance to Children in Need of Care; Leyla Aliyeva, Vice President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation; and Saida Mirziyoyeva, Head of the Administration of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan.
The project is organized by the Heydar Aliyev Foundation in partnership with the Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov Charitable Foundation for Assistance to Children in Need of Care, with the support of the Embassy of the Republic of Azerbaijan in Turkmenistan.
It is worth noting that in 2025, the Heydar Aliyev Foundation and the Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov Charitable Foundation for Assistance to Children in Need of Care signed a Memorandum of Understanding, laying the groundwork for long-term institutional cooperation between the two organizations.
The document marked an important milestone in the development of humanitarian and cultural engagement, opening up new opportunities for joint educational and social initiatives and for the exchange of experience and best practices. The Memorandum reflects the parties’ shared commitment to strengthening intercultural dialogue and promoting universal humanitarian values, of which the current exhibition is a vivid practical embodiment.
The international exhibition MAMA “Mother Nature” will remain open in the halls of the Academy of Arts until 30 November 2026.
Nature, Vision, and Motivation
The “MAMA. Mother Nature” international art project is a global travelling exhibition created to highlight environmental preservation and foster dialogue on humanity’s relationship with the natural world. Grounded in the principle that nature is our collective provider—offering earth, water, and air—the initiative uses visual art as a catalyst for environmental awareness, cultural reflection, and shared responsibility.
Core Objectives
- Ecological Awareness: Addressing global environmental challenges such as climate change, biodiversity loss, and habitat destruction through creative media.
- Cultural Connection: Examining how human attitudes toward nature are rooted in culture, memory, and personal emotion.
- Global Dialogue: Bringing together artists across borders to form a unified artistic voice advocating for planetary stewardship.
Supporting Forces and Key Figures
The initiative is backed by leading cultural, diplomatic, and environmental organizations from Azerbaijan and participating host nations:
- Project Author & Visionary: Leyla Aliyeva, Founder and Head of the IDEA (International Dialogue for Environmental Action) Public Association and Vice-President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation. Her environmental advocacy centers on sustainable living, conservation, and using art as a vehicle for ecological messages.
- Curator: Emin Mammadov, Honored Art Worker of Azerbaijan, who designs the thematic cohesion of the traveling exhibition across varying gallery contexts.
- Organizing Bodies:
- Heydar Aliyev Foundation & Heydar Aliyev Center
- IDEA Public Association
- Collaborating Foundations & Embassies: In Turkmenistan, the project is organized in partnership with the Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov Charitable Foundation for Assisting Children in Need of Care, local authorities, and diplomatic missions of Azerbaijan.
Featured Artists and Works
The project features over 100 unique artworks created by more than 50 contemporary artists from nearly 30 countries—including Azerbaijan, Spain, Italy, Latvia, the United Kingdom, Germany, Georgia, Ukraine, and Bahrain.
- Key Contributors:
- Leyla Aliyeva: Contributes personal paintings and graphic works depicting symbolic representations of nature, life, and environmental protection.
- Rashid Al Khalifa: Renowned Bahraini artist and patron whose minimalist and sculptural works explore form, light, and natural elements.
- International & Regional Artists: Works range from sculpture, contemporary canvas paintings, graphic works, and multimedia installations to conceptual pieces that reimagine human interaction with ecosystems.
Exhibition Journey and Global Itinerary
Since its inception, “MAMA. Mother Nature” has adapted to diverse cultural venues across Europe and Asia, expanding its collection with local artistic voices along the way:
- Baku, Azerbaijan (November 2024): Premiered during COP29 (UN Climate Change Conference) at the Heydar Aliyev Center.
- Manama, Bahrain (February 2025): Traveled to the Middle East, expanding its multi-country artist roster.
- Rome, Italy (May 2025): Featured at the MAXXI Corner.
- London, United Kingdom (June 2025): Exhibited at Somerset House in conjunction with the London Design Biennale.
- Riga, Latvia (May – August 2026): Hosted at the Zuzeum Art Museum in cooperation with the Embassy of Azerbaijan in Latvia.
- Madrid, Spain (September 2026): Displayed at the PONS Foundation.
- Ashgabat, Turkmenistan (Opening October 20, 2026): Displayed at the Exhibition Hall of the State Academy of Arts of Turkmenistan (90 A. Navoi Street), running through mid-November 2026.
///nCa, 20 October 2026
Here are some photos from the event:
