Zonderob

On November 11th, Orkhan Mammadov is set to unveil “Muraqqa - Data Miniature,” a collection of 111 artworks, marking his decade-long transition from computer scientist to acclaimed artist. Influenced by childhood aspirations of bringing miniature characters to life and a significant representation of Azerbaijan at the 2019 Venice Biennale with an installation centered on animated miniature art, this project stands as a culmination of his journey. Muraqqa takes inspiration from the tradition of miniature painting, a genre that has historically acted as a window into grand narratives, capturing expansive tales within confined spaces, akin to ancient storyboards, bridging the gap to contemporary digital storytelling. Like its historic counterpart, today’s data art seamlessly transforms complex data streams into captivating visual narratives, forging a connection from the age-old canvases of miniatures to the contemporary digital era. This project delves deeply into the rich legacy of miniature painting, which originated in the 13th century from the artistic confluence of Persian and Indian influences, celebrating its status as a symbol of transnational artistic exchange. This body of work includes an in-depth analysis of thousands of miniatures from Azerbaijan, Iran, India, Turkey, and the St. Petersburg Muraqqa collection, a UNESCO-recognised anthology.