Cesar Mammadov is a gifted contemporary artist from Baku, Azerbaijan, whose work transforms everyday moments into powerful visual stories. In this inspiring interview, Cesar opens up about his creative journey, sharing what fuels his creativity and the themes that shape his art. He talks about finding beauty in contrasts—like the vibrant energy of cities and the peacefulness of nature—and how his travels to places like Spain, Turkey, and France influence his perspective. Cesar also reflects on his unique style, balancing the joy and light in his paintings with the quiet introspection of his drawings. From presenting a portrait to Queen Elizabeth II to showcasing his art around the world, Cesar shares how these experiences inspire him to keep exploring and evolving as an artist.

Cesar Mammadov is a featured artist in our book “101 Art Book: Animal Edition .” You can explore her journey and the stories of other artists by purchasing the book here: https://shop.artstoheartsproject.com/products/the-creative-process-book

Cesar Mammadov, born in 1988 in Baku, Azerbaijan, is a contemporary artist who transforms everyday moments into visual poetry. Growing up in a family steeped in creativity, Cesar was profoundly shaped by his father, Sakit Mammadov, whose guidance instilled a deep respect for craftsmanship and storytelling. These early influences set the foundation for a career devoted to capturing the beauty of life’s quiet, often overlooked details. Educated at the Azim Azimzade Art School and the Academy of Arts of Azerbaijan, Cesar’s journey has taken him from the streets of Baku to the world’s cultural capitals. His work blends technical mastery with a unique ability to distill the essence of fleeting moments. Water plays a pivotal role in his compositions, serving as both a symbol of life and a reflective surface for emotional depth. From rain-dappled windows to serene harbours, his paintings offer an invitation to pause and rediscover the richness of the ordinary. Celebrated internationally for his bold use of light, perspective, and colour, Cesar’s art transcends borders, resonating with audiences across diverse cultures. His exhibitions span London, Milan, Tokyo, and beyond, reflecting a commitment to creating art that bridges the local and the universal. For Cesar, every painting is not just an image—it is a story, a mood, and a connection to something timeless.

1.  Your work captures vibrant details of life, from bustling cities to tranquil seascapes. What draws you to these scenes, and how do you bring them to life on your canvas?  

I’m drawn to these scenes because they hold beauty in their contrasts—whether it’s the energy of a busy city or the serenity of a seascape, both reveal different aspects of human connection and experience. When I approach a canvas, I focus on the interplay of light, colour, and texture to convey the atmosphere and emotion of the moment. It’s about capturing not just what I see, but the mood and rhythm of the scene, inviting viewers to feel as though they are stepping into the story themselves.

I approach each painting as a new conversation, one that challenges me to see the world differently. My goal is to create work that resonates deeply, inviting viewers to slow down and connect with the emotions and stories captured on the canvas.

Cesar Mammadov

2. Your art often celebrates beauty in everyday moments and human-made creations. How do you balance nature’s romance with the charm of industrial or urban landscapes?   

I find that nature and urban landscapes are not opposites but complementary forces, each telling a unique story about life and humanity. Nature offers a sense of timeless romance, while urban and industrial scenes reveal the creativity and resilience of human endeavour. I balance these elements by focusing on their shared details—light reflecting on water, the rhythm of lines in architecture, or the texture of a tree against a building. By blending these worlds, I aim to show how beauty exists in the harmony between the organic and the constructed.

3.    You’ve presented a portrait to Queen Elizabeth II and received awards internationally. How do these milestones influence your artistic journey?    

Presenting a portrait to Queen Elizabeth II and receiving international recognition have been both humbling and inspiring milestones in my journey. These experiences remind me of the universal language of art and its ability to connect people across cultures and backgrounds. While these honours validate my work, they also motivate me to push my creative boundaries further, ensuring that each piece continues to tell a meaningful story and resonate deeply with audiences around the world.

4.  Your paintings are full of light and festivity, while your drawings offer a more muted tone. What inspires this duality in your creative expression?  

This duality reflects the different dimensions of life and emotion that I seek to explore. My paintings, with their vibrant light and festivity, celebrate joy, connection, and the richness of the moment. In contrast, my drawings offer a quieter, introspective perspective, focusing on subtle details and the nuances of mood. Together, they allow me to express both the external energy of the world and the internal reflections that shape our experiences. This balance keeps my creative process dynamic and deeply personal.

5.  Travel plays a significant role in your art, with places like Spain, Turkey, and France featured in your works. How do these experiences shape your perspective as an artist?  

Travel allows me to immerse myself in the unique rhythms, colours, and stories of different cultures, which shape my perspective as an artist. Each place has its own character—whether it’s the colourful facades of Bilbao, the serene waterways of Venice, or the busy markets of Istanbul—and these environments inspire me to explore how people interact with their surroundings. By bringing these experiences to my canvas, I aim to capture not just the physical beauty of these locations but the emotions and connections they evoke, creating a universal resonance in my work.

Art, for me, is both a mirror and a window—a way to reflect on the self while exploring the infinite complexity of the world around us.

Cesar Mammadov

6.  As a young artist who has already left a strong mark, what motivates you to keep exploring and innovating in your art? 

What motivates me is the endless curiosity to uncover new ways of seeing and expressing the world around me. Each painting is an opportunity to explore untold stories, refine my techniques, and challenge myself creatively. The feedback and emotional connections my work sparks in viewers also drive me to keep evolving, as I strive to create art that resonates universally while staying true to my vision. For me, art is a journey without limits, and that sense of discovery keeps it exciting and fulfilling.

Cesar Mammadov’s art reminds us to slow down and appreciate the world around us. His ability to capture life’s small, fleeting moments and turn them into meaningful works of art is truly inspiring. Through his travels, his creative process, and his passion for storytelling, Cesar connects with people across cultures. To learn more about Cesar, click the following links to visit her profile.

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