Simple and dangerous illustrations by Gunduz Aghayev

Coming from a country with a difficult fate, Azerbaijan, illustrator Gunduz Agayev created several series of illustrations on sensitive topics that, as a rule, are not accepted to be openly discussed in society unless you want to quarrel with at least half of those present. Nevertheless, what makes art so wonderful is that the artist seems to speak to the whole world, but the world never interrupts him, and if he listens, then to the end.

Agayev touches the saint. Literally and figuratively. The series of works "Saint Selfie" shows religious representatives and followers of different faiths and seems to hint: "Hey guys, maybe we have found one god after all?" The God of likes, to whom we address prayers from hashtags. After all, everyone from presidents to the Holy Father is puzzled by the creation of... a successful bow (look).

Speaking of presidents. Another cycle of very dangerous illustrations affected political figures of the past and present. "Just leaders." This is how the straightforward Gunduz titled this series. If you look at all the works, it is obvious that the selection of heads of state is by no means random, but rather chronological and cautionary. One of the newest collections is illustrations on the theme of the hand of justice and order, those who must protect cities and their inhabitants - police officers from different countries. But Agayev openly demonstrates actions that are absolutely opposite, rather infringing on human rights, rather than ensuring their inviolability and safety.

It is also significant that Gunduz’s technique can hardly be called complex, complex or out of the ordinary. His illustrations are simple and two-dimensional. Without pathos, subtext or claims to cult or arthouse. This simplicity is inherent both in the works and in the artist himself, in Facebook-profile which does not indicate anything other than "artist" — artist. Perhaps this is exactly the kind of art we need now: naked and straightforward.