Baku: Since 2022, Azerbaijani pianist Ulviyya Abdullayeva and Spanish artist Nani Boronat have been bringing together Spanish and Azerbaijani cultures through their collaborative project, “From Alhambra to Shirvanshah.” This initiative forms an aesthetic bridge between the two cultures using art, spirituality, and anthropology. Symbolically represented by the Alhambra palaces in Granada and the Palace of the Shirvanshahs in Baku, the project showcases a concert-exhibition that unites musical and visual arts.
According to Azerbaijan State News Agency, the project features a musical program performed by Abdullayeva, integrating Spanish and Azerbaijani traditions ranging from classical to jazz, including works by Falla, Alb©niz, Granados, Gara Garayev, and Fikret Amirov. Visually, Boronat contributes by creating “carpet-paintings,” which can be rolled up and transported, much like the carpets of the Silk Road era.
In a conversation with an AZERTAC correspondent, Boronat explained that the project evolved from her previous work, “Guards,” which began in 2017 and combined painting and sculpture with an anthropological focus. In 2022, after meeting Abdullayeva, Boronat was introduced to Azerbaijani culture and music, inspiring the new project.
The collaborative effort aims to blend music and visual art in a concert-exhibition format, maintaining the independence of both art forms. Abdullayeva curates a musical program that includes a range of genres, while Boronat creates artworks inspired by Mud©jar art and the Shirvan school of carpet weaving. Boronat expressed gratitude to researcher Fuad Akhundov and Asmer Babayeva, the creative director of “Azerkhalcha,” for enriching her understanding of Azerbaijani culture.
Boronat noted the cultural similarities between Spain and Azerbaijan, which became apparent during her study of Azerbaijani culture. She drew parallels between Azerbaijani Mugham music and Andalusian Flamenco, recognizing a shared cultural axis that stretches from Portugal to Baku.
The project “From Alhambra to Shirvanshah” has been presented twice in Munich and twice in Baku. Future presentations are planned, including a possible full-scale concert-exhibition in Azerbaijan and a presentation at the Spanish Embassy in Berlin.