BAKU   –   The opening ceremony of the contemporary art exhibition titled “Geyzer” was held at the Museum of Modern Art on January 17 as part of the “Oil Boom Smiles at Everyone” festival. The festival is supported by the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, sponsored by bp, and organized by the Magsud Ibrahimbeyov Creativity Center. The opening ceremony was attended by Anar Alakbarov, Director of the Heydar Aliyev Center, official guests, and prominent representatives of the arts community. Running from November 2025 to February 2026, the “Oil Boom Smiles at Everyone” festival is dedicated to the creative legacy of prominent Azerbaijani writer Magsud Ibrahimbeyov. The festival is built around the cultural and historical context of the oil boom era and brings together various art forms. It explores themes of transformation, expectation, and inner tension reflected in the author’s literary works. The “Geyzer” contemporary art exhibition is one of the flagship projects of the festival. Conceptually referencing the play “Oil Boom Smiles at Everyone,” the exhibition offers an immersive interpretation of the intersection between personal experience and collective history. Speaking at the opening, Anna Ibrahimbeyova, Director of the Magsud Ibrahimbeyov Creativity Center, emphasized the special significance of the day for the festival: “Today is truly a magnificent event, as young and talented artists are participating in the festival. What particularly delights me is that many of the participants are not just exhibiting but are deeply reflecting on ideas and turning to Magsud Ibrahimbeyov’s books.” Anna Ibrahimbeyova noted that the presented works are primarily impressions, personal interpretations, and artistic responses—transforming words and images into the language of visual art. In his speech, Anar Alakbarov, Director of the Heydar Aliyev Center, expressed gratitude to the entire team involved in realizing the event.

He highlighted the great importance of the “Oil Boom Smiles at Everyone” festival, which has been ongoing since November 2025: “The events and performances presented within the festival framework carry great significance. I hope this becomes a tradition. Today, I met with the artists. They are presenting one beautiful work after another. I wish each of them success in their future creative endeavors.”