The Heydar Aliyev Center opened a solo exhibition by Italian sculptor Giuseppe Carta, Gifts of Nature.

According to Report, which cites AZERTAC, the exhibition features various works by Giuseppe Carta, known for his large-scale sculptures of fruits and vegetables.

Some of these artworks were created specifically for the exhibition at the Heydar Aliyev Center and are being presented to the public in Baku for the first time.

During the opening event, the Director of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, Anar Alakbarov, highlighted that the Center has hosted numerous significant events since its establishment. He expressed appreciation for the participation of those involved in organizing the exhibition, emphasizing that today's event presents the works of a remarkable sculptor.

Anar Alakbarov also noted that around 40 artworks by Giuseppe Carta are on display. Additionally, he mentioned that Azerbaijan will soon participate in the Venice Biennale, where, with the support of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, several Azerbaijani architectural projects will be showcased. The preparations for this are already underway, with a particular focus on the Victory Park Museum Complex, the Zangilan and Shusha Mosques, and the White City Complex.

The Italian Ambassador to Azerbaijan, Luca Di Gianfrancesco, expressed gratitude to the Heydar Aliyev Foundation for organizing the exhibition. He emphasized that the Foundation consistently supports Italian art and culture and thanked it for its extensive cooperation at a high level. The diplomat also stated that support would continue for other cultural initiatives.

Speaking at the event, Giuseppe Carta described the Heydar Aliyev Center as one of the most beautiful, significant, and prestigious venues.

Reflecting on his artistic journey, he shared that he has been creating sculptures for over 30 years, striving for simplicity in his work.

Carta explained that he refers to all his creations as "germination", aiming to capture this idea in his art. He believes that everyone should be grateful to nature for their work.

Following the speeches, attendees toured the exhibition.

The exhibition showcases unique, masterfully crafted sculptures and installations of hazelnuts, raspberries, peaches, and chili peppers, displayed both in the outdoor park area and inside the Center’s exhibition hall. The creation of these sculptures requires a long and meticulous process.

Despite their simple subject matter, the sculptures convey the profound value of nature’s gifts, delivering a universal artistic message.

Carta's sculptures of pomegranates, olives, and grapes have established him as an artist dedicated to promoting peace, land, and cultural heritage worldwide. His central artistic theme revolves around nature and the earth’s bounty, which he presents as a universal symbol of life, hope, rebirth, and growth.

One of Giuseppe Carta’s most famous works, the Giant Peppers series, was created for Chongqing, a city in China’s Sichuan province. A 7.5-meter-tall sculpture now stands in the city’s main square as a symbol of the region. Carta is also the creator of the emblem for the influential World Chilli Alliance.

Additionally, he contributed a red pepper sculpture to the United Nations Fruit Gardens project at Expo Milano 2015. By the end of that year, the sculpture became the property of the Bank of Sardinia in his homeland.

In recognition of his work, the Italian Chilli Academy awarded Giuseppe Carta the title of "Global Ambassador of Chilli Peppers."

Among his notable works is the pomegranate, which he incorporated into a stage design for Andrea Bocelli’s "Theatre of Silence" in Tuscany in 2012. The 9-meter-tall pomegranate sculpture later became a symbol of the Theatre of Silence.

Carta’s sculptures can be found in various locations across the globe, and his artistic vision has resonated worldwide.

His compositions evoke a melancholic yet tangible harmony, reaffirming the eternal beauty of nature.

Giuseppe Carta’s internationally acclaimed sculptures have been showcased in the United States, Australia, the United Kingdom, China, France, Switzerland, Italy, New Zealand, and at the Venice Biennale. Now, visitors in Baku will have the opportunity to experience his work.

The Gifts of Nature exhibition will be on display at the Heydar Aliyev Center until January 2026.