Gazelli Art House | جوهر (Jawhar)

Gazelli Art House spotlight pressing environmental concerns in their group exhibition Jawhar, hosted at Alserkal Avenue and featuring: Recycle Group; Libby Heaney; Kalliopi Lemos; Aida Mahmudova; Elnara Nasirli; Aidan Salakhova; and Matteo Zamagni.

Coinciding with Gazelli Art House, Baku’s The State of Acceptance: Kalliopi Lemos and Nancy Atakan, the pop-up exhibition Jawhar takes place in the renowned Alserkal Avenue, a cultural district in the industrial area of Al Quoz, and a leading destination for contemporary art. Ranging from artworks crafted from recycled materials to the creation of quantum-inspired visuals and augmented environments, this exhibition explores themes of ecological fragility and the potential of technological advancements in rectifying these.

Recycle Group is dedicated to repurposing discarded materials, highlighting the potential of reuse in the realm of contemporary art. Their work serves as a powerful reminder of the environmental impact of consumer culture, encouraging viewers to reflect on their own consumption habits. Sculptural works – including lightboxes Coexistence 3, and Coexistence 4 (2023), and the polished plastic Photo Booth 2 (2015) – use the future as a lens to ponder contemporary society’s technological existence.

Libby Heaney’s multidisciplinary practice often explores the intersection between technology and the environment. Through her digital artworks and sculptural interventions, such as and it oozed out the machine (2022) Heaney prompts viewers to contemplate humanity’s relationship with nature, emphasising the need for sustainable living in the face of technological advancement.

Kalliopi Lemos’ artistry is deeply rooted in environmental concerns, addressing issues such as climate change, migration, and displacement. Her sculptures, installations, and mixed-media works, serve as poignant visual metaphors, drawing attention to the impact of environmental degradation on communities and ecosystems. In painterly and expressive application, Lemos’ Storytelling clouds (2023) series seems to suggest the tempestuous and immediate nature of climate change.

Aida Mahmudova’s practice often reflects the delicate balance between nature and human intervention, urging viewers to contemplate the fragility of the environment and the importance of preserving it for future generations.

Elnara Nasirli’s art practice revolves around the concept of interconnectedness, exploring the relationship between humans, nature, and technology. Through her expressive artworks, Nasirli prompts viewers to consider the environmental consequences of rapid technological advancement, encouraging a more harmonious coexistence with nature.

Aidan Salakhova’s art transcends traditional boundaries, addressing social and ecological issues through various mediums. Addressing an underlying humanitarian unity, her marble and granite sculptures – such as Without words (Book series) (2020), and Portrait, ‘Georgia’ (2020) – make plain that addressing wider concerns are only achievable once we transcend and unveil societal enigmas.

Matteo Zamagni’s artworks serve as evocative examples of how art can be both aesthetically compelling and environmentally responsible. By prioritising eco-friendly practices, Zamagni sets an important precedent for the art world, encouraging fellow artists and enthusiasts to adopt sustainable approaches in their creative endeavours. In 360 video work Nature Abstraction 2.0 (2018), and dual NFT and physical work Untitled (2023), Zamagni looks to re-embed the viewer and their technologies within, rather than outside of, nature.

By inspiring viewers to confront ecological challenges and contemplate their own roles in the preservation of the planet, these artists play a vital role in fostering a deeper understanding of environmental issues and encouraging positive action for a more sustainable future.

Founded in 2010 by Mila Askarova, Gazelli Art House in London brings a fresh perspective to Mayfair – through championing artists from all corners of the globe. Focusing on artists at the height of their practice, the gallery showcases their work through a diverse programme of exhibitions and events. Along with its sister site in Baku, Gazelli Art House specialises in promoting art from Azerbaijan and its neighbours to introduce a greater understanding of the rich linguistic, religious and historical ties that connect these areas to international audiences. In 2015, the gallery further expanded to support artists working in digital art through its online platform: GAZELL.iO, comprising an online Residency programme, NFT drops and collaborations, a dedicated Project Space holding monthly exhibitions, and a permanently installed VR Library – all in the heart of Mayfair.