Latvian Sculptor Egons Peršēvics' Work Unveiled in Baku
A new sculpture, "Soul of the Jeyran", by Egons Peršēvics, associate professor at the Art Academy of Latvia, has been unveiled in Baku, Azerbaijan. It was created at the international metal art symposium Baku Steel Art 2026.
A new sculpture titled "Soul of the Jeyran" by Egons Peršēvics, a sculptor and associate professor at the Art Academy of Latvia, has been unveiled in Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan. The work was created as part of the international metal art symposium Baku Steel Art 2026 and the Baku Art Week festival. Peršēvics, who holds a doctorate in art, is one of 14 sculptors from different countries selected and invited by the symposium's organisers.
Why the Latvian sculptor was chosen
The symposium's curator, Ciprian Hopirtean, says the organisers were convinced by the strength of Peršēvics' portfolio. When sketches for the planned works arrived, which had to fully match the symposium's brief and concept, the Latvian sculptor's idea greatly inspired the team. The curator describes the final result as impressive and the piece as one with a deep idea that also engages viewers.
Theme and course of the symposium
The symposium is held in cooperation with the industrial company Baku Steel Company, at whose plant the artists created their works from 14 to 28 October this year. A different theme is announced each year. This year the focus is on the wild nature of the Caucasus and five representatives of its fauna: the gazelle, leopard, brown bear, grey wolf and eagle, as well as the fragile balance between nature, culture and human responsibility. Each sculptor had to submit a concept and sketches and agree them with the organisers before travelling to Baku.
In his work, Peršēvics sought to depict the gazelle, or jeyran, which is important to Azerbaijanis, paying particular attention to its graceful horns. Because Azerbaijan calls itself the land of fire, he interpreted the horns as two tongues of flame reaching toward the sky.
On view until the end of November
The symposium is taking place in Azerbaijan for the third year, and this year it is part of the Baku Art Weekend festival programme. The sculptures made during the symposium can be viewed in Baku's urban space, near the Stone Chronicle Museum on the Baku waterfront, until the end of November.
