L. Gasimova

In the Art Gallery of the Museum Centre in November passed 2nd Baku International Biennial of Dolls.

In this exhibition, the works of artists and puppeteers from 13 countries - Latvia, Russia , Estonia , Georgia , Kazakhstan , Ukraine, Germany , Israel , Italy, Belgium , Czech Republic , Belarus and Azerbaijan were presented .

In this exhibition, I met a lovely artist and puppeteer Elena Mikhailova. She came from Latgale in Latvia, that is from a small town Prejli. Elena is a member of the Baltic guild of masters in dolls and toys.

After talking with her, I saw not only a talented , but also a sincere and kind woman. After all, only a master can make a lovely doll , which you can not take your eyes off. Three times I went through all the 5 rooms and constantly stayed near her works, as if they attracted some inner magnetism.

Prior to this show I met with the works of Elena Mikhailova , visiting Baku Art Gallery Doll . In this gallery , there were museum exhibits by many famous doll puppeteers. I immediately liked her dolls, especially Lady of Hearts.

And when I came to the exhibition, I saw my favorite doll and her other works. It's like I was in a fantasy world , in the world of childhood fantasies.

Elena Mikhailova was born in Nalchik. She lived in Moscow, where she graduated from Moscow University of Arts and received a specialty of designer - decorator. Elena is a professional artist. After marrying, she moved to the Prejli city in Latvia. In Latvia she was a stranger, but she was able to become the pride of the Latvians and glorified their small town in the world.

First, she issued kindergartens of the city with colorful mural.

Then she became involved in manufacturing dolls.

She has doll Raimonds Pauls and Alla Pugacheva, Queen Elizabeth and Prince Charles, fairy tale characters , angels , little girls , harlequins, grandfather Amanita and many, many other works.

She created a puppet kingdom Mihaylovgrad, where there is stone , wood, iron, built castles, bridges, rivers, mills, coaches and so on. There are guided tours. For a nominal fee you can wear a costume of the 19th century and become a baroness , countess , marquis or lord. This is a real fairy tale world.

I want to bring to your attention an interview with the artist in puppetry from Latvia.

- Helen , are you for the first time in Baku?

- No, I have been here for the second time . The first time I came in 2011 to 1 Biennale. Then I liked it very much , so when I was invited to this year, I gladly agreed .

- What kind of work have you presented to the public at this time?

- These are the Heartbreakers, Canary, Bright Angel, Dark Angel, Technological Age, Night Watchmaker,  Lilac, Serso ... - a total of 14 works.

- How did it start ?

- That was in 2007. They brought me a broken doll puppet. I repaired it and issued to my taste. Then I wanted to make other dolls. And my passion is for dolls.

- Now I have about 300 works . Some are in my gallery , and others are at friends . Each work is unique.

- What shows have you attended ?

- I was at the 2nd International Fair for Teddy Bears and Dolls in Riga in 2009 , and in 2011 in Baku on 1 Biennale and at the international exhibition in the Czech Republic . In 2012, the 3rd International Exhibition Art Dolls in Moscow, the Paradise Apple timed to Valentine's Day in Riga. And also in 2013 I attended the 9th International Exhibition of Dolls in Tishinka in Moscow and an exhibition in Tallinn, and Funny Money in St. Petersburg. For participation in the Forgotten Footlocker contest in the nomination of details I received a diploma. I have really a lot of diplomas.

- How long do you need to make a doll so that it turned into a work of art?

- I do everything myself - I sew the dresses and make the shoes, sculpt the body and insert the eyes, pick up the decorations, headwear and accessories of the dolls. I long select all the items (the lips, the nose, the fingers ... ) , because it is laborious and sometimes very heavy and hard work. A job of the sort requires from 3 days to 1 month .

- Do you take these dolls home?

- No, they stay here. Some are in the art gallery Doll, others are in private collections. I do not even know who purchased them . But I'm sure that they will belong to good and loving people. After all, dolls are like children, - they love care and affection.

- Were your works on this Biennale marked ?

- Yes, I was handed a diploma. I am very happy and grateful to the organizers of this event.

- How do you find Baku this year?

- Great. The city is lovely , the organization is great, the people are friendly .

- Will you come again to Baku at the 3rd Biennale?

- Be sure. They should just call me. You have a beautiful and welcoming city, which is also warm. The people are open to communication. Many visitors came up and thanked me for my work , which is always nice. Thank you all!

- Thank you , Elena. Waiting for you again in Baku. I wish you luck and success . We will follow your creativity further.

- Thank you. Goodbye, Baku, until we meet again. 

ANN.Az