Balance
Nargiz Asgarova, 2025
Nano Video Art
00:54 sec.
“Allah created the human being. He taught them clear expression and speech. The sun and the moon move according to precise calculation. The stars and the trees prostrate to Allah. He raised the heaven and established the balance, so do not transgress the balance.”
Surah Ar-Rahman, verses 3–8.
This nano video artwork reveals a fragment of the hidden nano world embedded within the biological realm that surrounds us. It brings to life the extraordinary diversity of colors and forms found in small plants—details that remain invisible to the naked eye and that we often overlook as ordinary. Through this work, the artist invites viewers to reflect on the importance of preserving the balance between humanity and nature as a living organism.
The artwork is created from electron microscope images of oleander (Nerium oleander). Known in Azerbaijan by the folk names zıqqum, zəhrimar, and zokkum, oleander is widely cultivated as an ornamental plant despite being one of the most poisonous plants in nature. Under the electron microscope, its cellular structure evokes the image of a forest fire suspended in stillness.
The video art medium animates the microscopic nanostructures, transforming them into luminous forms that emerge from the darkness, reminiscent of fireflies. These glowing elements become symbols of hope, life, and balance within the darkness. In this way, the coexistence of outward beauty and hidden danger, of darkness and light, further deepens the artwork's central concept of Balance, inviting viewers to contemplate both the visible and invisible dimensions of nature.
Nano Video Art
00:54 sec.
“Allah created the human being. He taught them clear expression and speech. The sun and the moon move according to precise calculation. The stars and the trees prostrate to Allah. He raised the heaven and established the balance, so do not transgress the balance.”
Surah Ar-Rahman, verses 3–8.
This nano video artwork reveals a fragment of the hidden nano world embedded within the biological realm that surrounds us. It brings to life the extraordinary diversity of colors and forms found in small plants—details that remain invisible to the naked eye and that we often overlook as ordinary. Through this work, the artist invites viewers to reflect on the importance of preserving the balance between humanity and nature as a living organism.
The artwork is created from electron microscope images of oleander (Nerium oleander). Known in Azerbaijan by the folk names zıqqum, zəhrimar, and zokkum, oleander is widely cultivated as an ornamental plant despite being one of the most poisonous plants in nature. Under the electron microscope, its cellular structure evokes the image of a forest fire suspended in stillness.
The video art medium animates the microscopic nanostructures, transforming them into luminous forms that emerge from the darkness, reminiscent of fireflies. These glowing elements become symbols of hope, life, and balance within the darkness. In this way, the coexistence of outward beauty and hidden danger, of darkness and light, further deepens the artwork's central concept of Balance, inviting viewers to contemplate both the visible and invisible dimensions of nature.
ZEN: Living Silence
"Even if the pine tree does not speak,
Its shade teaches the Way."
— Hakuin Ekaku
The exhibition Zen: Living Silence focuses on moments of awakening and mindfulness in our relationship with nature. It explores how elements of nature serve as a source of inspiration in the diverse creative practices of the participating artists, revealing the aesthetic and philosophical dimensions of nature reflected in their works.
Nature holds a significant place in the allegories, metaphors, and questions used in Zen Buddhist teachings, playing the role of a great teacher and guide through its manifestations. According to this philosophy, every particle of nature is interconnected. Everything arises in dependence on something else, becoming part of a greater order. In the exhibition, each artist’s individual approach reveals this interconnection, expressing the deep bond found in nature and the profound presence of the present moment.
This philosophy encourages liberation from distractions born of past regrets or future anxieties. Just as water clears from murkiness to clarity, Zen practices strive to allow the mind to reflect reality directly, like a mirror. Through meditation and simple living, free from worldly judgments, desires, and attachments, awakening is encouraged by Zen masters.
In the exhibition space, the principles of Zen transform into subtle clues through the artworks. They may help us discover this simple yet challenging path in moments of inner stillness.
The influence of Zen philosophy in art can be seen in how the artists treat nature’s transience and the present moment as reflective mirrors. For the creators, the resulting works become an act of conscious and meditative expression.
In this exhibition, the participating artists explore and interpret different layers and qualities of nature through their personal artistic languages.
Participating Artists:
Aygun Bakhshiyeva, Joshgun Suleymanov, Elvin Akhmedov, Emin Mathers,
Fidan Nazimqizi, Jala Aziz, Nargiz Asgarova, Zaur Mirzayev, Zar
Curator:
Bakhtiyar Ali
"Even if the pine tree does not speak,
Its shade teaches the Way."
— Hakuin Ekaku
The exhibition Zen: Living Silence focuses on moments of awakening and mindfulness in our relationship with nature. It explores how elements of nature serve as a source of inspiration in the diverse creative practices of the participating artists, revealing the aesthetic and philosophical dimensions of nature reflected in their works.
Nature holds a significant place in the allegories, metaphors, and questions used in Zen Buddhist teachings, playing the role of a great teacher and guide through its manifestations. According to this philosophy, every particle of nature is interconnected. Everything arises in dependence on something else, becoming part of a greater order. In the exhibition, each artist’s individual approach reveals this interconnection, expressing the deep bond found in nature and the profound presence of the present moment.
This philosophy encourages liberation from distractions born of past regrets or future anxieties. Just as water clears from murkiness to clarity, Zen practices strive to allow the mind to reflect reality directly, like a mirror. Through meditation and simple living, free from worldly judgments, desires, and attachments, awakening is encouraged by Zen masters.
In the exhibition space, the principles of Zen transform into subtle clues through the artworks. They may help us discover this simple yet challenging path in moments of inner stillness.
The influence of Zen philosophy in art can be seen in how the artists treat nature’s transience and the present moment as reflective mirrors. For the creators, the resulting works become an act of conscious and meditative expression.
In this exhibition, the participating artists explore and interpret different layers and qualities of nature through their personal artistic languages.
Participating Artists:
Aygun Bakhshiyeva, Joshgun Suleymanov, Elvin Akhmedov, Emin Mathers,
Fidan Nazimqizi, Jala Aziz, Nargiz Asgarova, Zaur Mirzayev, Zar
Curator:
Bakhtiyar Ali
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“Balance” Nargiz Asgarova, 2025 Nano-video art
Phi Gallery
“Zen: Yaşayan Sükut” sərgisi təbiətin zen fəlsəfəsində rolunu araşdırır və sənətçilərin əsərlərində təqdim olunur.
- Nərgiz Əsgərova ilə video müsahibəmizdən bir parçanı sizə təqdim edirik.
- Nərgiz Əsgərova ilə video müsahibəmizdən bir parçanı sizə təqdim edirik.
