BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 15. The Baku Network
platform has released the latest episode of the analytical video
project “Dialogue with Tofig Abbasov,” Trend reports.


Inna Kostina, Honored Artist of Azerbaijan, was the
distinguished guest on the program.


At the outset of the conversation, she observed that despite the
prevailing global tensions, humanity consistently demonstrates its
resilience through the revitalizing forces of culture and
spirituality.


"As artists, it is our responsibility to nurture the soul, shape
our cultural legacy, and educate future generations through beauty
and kindness," she stated with conviction.


Kostina went on to discuss her most recent exhibition, "Time of
Miracles," which was initially showcased in Portland, Oregon, and
later presented in Baku at the gallery near the Maiden Tower. The
exhibition featured more than 60 small-format pieces, each
reflecting the vivid memories of childhood.


"Abroad, I represent Azerbaijani art and share the story of our
country. Here, the audience is already familiar with my work, and
they always anticipate something new," she explained.


Elaborating on her creative philosophy, Kostina emphasized her
deliberate avoidance of negative themes. "In today's world, which
is often marked by aggression, an artist’s duty is to bring light,
not burden the viewer with additional heaviness," she remarked.


Reflecting on the period of war and occupation, Kostina
acknowledged that these experiences inevitably influenced her
artistic expression. On the first day of the Second Karabakh War,
she created a somber landscape featuring a red moon. However,
following the victory, her work took on a renewed sense of vibrancy
and emotional optimism.


One of the key points was the theme of contacts in the field of
culture. “I think that cultured, thinking people will take steps on
both sides,” Kostina said, emphasizing the importance of dialogue
between the creative communities of neighboring countries.


Kostina also touched on the issue of generational continuity.
For more than 35 years, she has been running the children's studio
“Seven Bright Butterflies,” and many of her students have become
artists, architects, and cinematographers, studying in London and
New York. In addition, she taught for many years at the Azerbaijan
Academy of Arts. “We have wonderful young people; there is no
generation gap. I strive to support my students, especially the
girls. For them, I am like a mother,” Kostina emphasized.


Here is the full video recording of the program for our
readers: