Chingiz Mehbaliyev presents new painting
Azerbaijani artist Chingiz Mehbaliyev has presented his new painting on historical subject to the society. His painting called "Construction of Shollar water-pipe" is made on canvas with oil paint.
In his work, artist masterly depicted William Heerlein Lindley (on the left) civil engineer who executed the construction of Shollar water pipe, entrepreneur and philanthropist Haji Zeynalabdin Taghiyev (in the center), and translator (on the right).All three review the Shollar water pipe project.
Mehbaliyev told how he came up with the idea of the painting.
"When I was in search of Shollar water in Baku or in Sumgayit, I came into conclusion that it is not possible to find pure Shollar water in these cities. My failure in this adventure inspired me to think in this subject. After long thinking and research, I came into conclusion that I should pay tribute to Azerbaijani philanthropist Haji Zeynalabdin Taghiyev and English engineer William Lindley by creating painting depicting their efforts and irreplaceable work. With such ambitions I started to conduct a research on sketches, historical photos and articles," he said.
In his interview with Azertac, Mehbaliyev spoke about history of the picture.
"William Lindley is a proud member of Lindley family who played a vital role in technological development on a global scale. Father and son Lindleys carried out numerous important works by constructing 35 water pipes and sewage systems all over Europe," said artist.
It is important to mention that despite World War I, the outbursts of cholera in Baku several times, the revolution in Russia in 1917, numerous accusation to the address of William Lindley and other difficulties, the project started in 1899 finally concluded in 1917 with success.
For his efforts Lindley granted as an honorary citizen of Baku. "Zaqafqaziya" railway premises granted him with lifelong ticket because they started to use Shollar water in their plants.
As an Azerbaijani citizen who drinks shollar water, Mehbaliyev paid tribute to his memory with the language of art. He dedicated this picture to 100 anniversary of the construction of Shollar water pipe.
"I think, this project was the most important and vital project in the history of Azerbaijan. Regarding to the role of Haji Zeynalabdin Taghizade, I am obliged to say that his philanthropic works done for well-being of Azerbaijani people, also, his efforts for construction of Shollar waterpipe will never be forgotten and he will always live in hearts of Azerbaijani people," he said.
Although 100 years passed since the construction of the pipe, there is no portrait of Lindley in Azerbaijani art treasure. Lindley’s efforts along with Taghizade still had not been depicted in the face of a painting. Despite the importance of Shollar water pipe for Azerbaijani people, no painting has been made on how this outstanding project has been concluded.
Taking into account all the mentioned facts, its correct to say that Chingiz's painting shall play an important role for Azerbaijani art and shall be considered being the first painting in this subject.
Chingiz paints his works in the genres of surrealism, realism, and nude art. He was the youngest participant in the international art exhibition dedicated to the 800th anniversary of Mevlana Djalaleddin Rumi, organized by UNESCO in 2007.
He took part in the international cartoon contest "Molla Nesreddin, Azerbaijan" and became a member of Azerbaijan Cartoonists Union. The artist was invited to Bartin, Turkey, to display his arts and after much success he became a member of SESAN ("Serbest Sanatchilar" - Free Artworkers) in 2010.
His art combines Western style and Eastern colors with pieces of old elements existing in famous Azerbaijani carpets. The artist's works were already exhibited in Turkey, Russia, and Azerbaijan and were published in the international catalogs through the whole world.