Baku, September 26 (AZERTAC). The exhibition "Sharaku interpreted by Japan Contemporary Artists" was jointly organized by Japan Fund and Embassy of Japan in Azerbaijan at the Azerbaijan National Art Museum.

Chingiz Farzaliyev, the director of National Art Museum welcomed the guests and spoke about the importance of the exhibition. It was informed that today the participants would get acquainted with the exhibition belonging Edo period.

Through many years the exhibition has been traveling around the world. Now the Azerbaijani visitors have a chance to see the works of avan- garde ukiyo-e artist.

Little is known about him other than the prints he designed - neither his true name nor the dates of his birth or death are known. His active career as a woodblock artist spanned ten months. During this short period Sharaku created 140 woodcut prints, admired by the world.

Japanese ambassador to Azerbaijan Tsuguo Takahashi noted that not only the works of Sharaku, but also 39 Japanese artists' portraits would be demonstrated. These are modern arts samples inspired by ancient art.

He emphasized that relations between Azerbaijan and Japan have been developed successfully and expressed his gratitude to the Ministry of Culture and Tourism.

Deputy Minister Sevda Mammadaliyeva appraised the exhibition that was organized in 2012 on the occasion of 20th anniversary of the relations between Japan and Azerbaijan. She also expressed her confidence that today's exhibition would be met with interest.

Mammadeliyeva emphasized that the events holding in the cultural sphere would strengthen the relations between two countries and thanked to Japan Fund and Embassy of Japan in Azerbaijan for organizing the exhibition.

The head of Union of Artists, People's Artist Farhad Khalilov evaluated this exhibition as a significant event in cultural life of Baku that reflected Japanese art. Then the participants got acquainted with the exhibition.

The exhibition consists of 3 main themes – “Reproductions of Sharaku” ,”Sharaku in graphic art” and “Respect for Sharaku”. At the exhibition 81 posters , paintings and large artworks are being demonstrated.

The exhibition will last till October 12.