Rustam GasimovPuppetry is one of the oldest forms of art. Master puppeteers create these masterpieces using porcelain , papier-mache, metal, plastic, real human hair. Looking at a work of art, you think that the doll is not just a soulless thing , but a living person who looks at you. Really, doll eyes are made so well that they are difficult to distinguish from the real thing.Last month, all lovers of puppetry waited a real gift - it has already become a tradition holding in our city II Baku International Biennale of dolls «Fusion Dolls», inaugurated in the gallery of the Museum Center of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism. After I International Biennial of dolls past with great success in Baku in 2011, it caused serious resonance in the world. As a consequence, in Baku opened the first art gallery in the region called "Doll" . The audience had a chance to admire the work performed in such styles as classical , interior , fashion, conceptual, doll - as an art object. Therefore, the term «Fusion», used to designate the jazz fusion of Eastern and Western music, where there is a combination of old and modern musical instruments , more suited for a combination of dolls made in different types and styles of puppetry .The event did have an international character because Biennale participants gathered from all over the world. At this time in Baku gathered masters from Azerbaijan, Russia, Ukraine, Italy, Latvia, Georgia , Belarus, Belgium , Czech Republic, Estonia, Germany, Kazakhstan, and Israel.Large and bright rooms of the Museum Center were not chosen randomly for this event , because the opening of the Biennale was a real full house. Even in the following days you could see a lot of guests who did not miss the opportunity to see firsthand the exposed creations and get to know this unusual art form. Biennale also attracted the attention of students who made trips to the showroom accompanied by their teachers.In the first room were exposed to the works of famous Azerbaijani masters of puppetry , such as a member of the Union of Artists of Azerbaijan , a member of the Union of Professional Artists of Russia, bronze medalist of the International Biennale of folk dolls in Krakow (1989 ), Diploma of international exhibitions Elmira Abbasli. She presented "The Watchmaker and Time", "Waiting", "Madame flirting", "Favourite of the Sultan" and the original "The sofa".Works were also provided by members of the Union of Artists of Azerbaijan, the founders of conceptual dolls and doll as an art object in contemporary art in Azerbaijan Parviz Huseynov & Irina Gundorina such as "Caramel Latte", "Floating on the river Seine," "Inspector Ocean", etc. Another representative of our country was a member of the Union of Artists of Azerbaijan, member of the international exhibition dedicated to the 200th anniversary of the Azerbaijan Customs, held in Brussels , I Biennial of dolls in Baku (2011 ), the International exhibition " Arts and crafts of Azerbaijan " in France and many other international events Tamilla Gurbanova, who exposed "Phoenix", "Taste the pomegranate", "Metamorphosis", and "Awakening" .The Biennale was also attended by young Azerbaijani puppeteers, namely students of the studio «DA ART» Farah Aliyeva and Nubar Shahbazova.In these halls the audience saw the puppet creations by Valentina Yakovleva of Ukraine with "Goldie", "Las Meninas", and " Marquis ". Elena Kunin from Israel presented interesting works such as "Goldfish", "White Chrysanthemum" and "Great ... grandfather of a hipster."Unusual attention of the visitors was attracted by Natalia Lepikhina of Kazakhstan, with the "cradle" made of wool and wood.Dolls made by the Italian representative Catherine Veshtak were made of bronze and were exhibited in the form of a column, passing through several rooms. The dolls of her compatriot Laura Skattolini made different expressive gestures and had a striking resemblance to the man.The work of a German girl of the Chinese origin Siu Ling Karnely Wong attracted attention with its refinement , especially those that were similar to the fairy-tale characters and cartoon characters , different beautiful hairstyles, big eyes with fluffy eyelashes, luxurious dresses with handmade lace.With special enthusiasm the guests welcomed the work of our compatriot living and working in Russia , Gula Asgarova that introduced dolls made in the spirit of national Azerbaijani color.The creative union of an animator, creator of puppets for short films in the Belgian television programs Christine Polis and Benoit Polveche set quite unusual works that were like robots. Every second guest of the Biennale wanted to be photographed in their background .The fair sex could not ignore the wizard puppeteer from Belarus Galina Dmitruk. Her dolls resembled modern elegant girls with luxurious flowing hair, long nails with a nice manicure, huge eyes and full lips.According to the hype , which stood on the opening day , it was clear that the dolls are very popular here in Baku. Guests chatted with the master puppeteers, each of whom received a special diploma, and congratulated them, wishing success and new releases.Master puppeteers themselves praised the Biennale and enthusiastically gave interviews to the local media and talks about the intricacies of their works and designs to everyone.Translation: Surkhay Murad  ANN.Az