Aygun Naghiyeva is a resident of Baku, Azerbaijan. From an early age, she demonstrated a keen interest in the arts, although her professional training led her to become an English language teacher.

Her passion for decorative-applied folk art was inspired by her children’s sporting achievements. She notes, “My interest in this art form stemmed from my children’s successes in sports. My son is a world and European karate champion.” This journey began when she adorned her shirt with the Azerbaijani flag using crystals for a competition, which garnered significant attention. Over time, she transitioned to creating these designs on canvases.

Naghiyeva’s early handmade works were showcased at exhibitions, where they earned first and second places in various categories. In 2018, she was honored with the title of “Artist of the Year.” She states that each achievement motivates her to create new works.

Among her notable accomplishments, Naghiyeva highlights two official meetings with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, during which she presented her handmade works as a representative of Azerbaijan. She also regards her solo exhibition, “Dedicated to Karabakh,” held on November 25, 2021, at the Artists’ Union to commemorate the first anniversary of Kelbajar’s liberation from occupation, as a significant milestone. “As a decorative-applied art artist, this filled me with immense pride,” she reflects. “My works also serve a promotional role for our culture.”

Naghiyeva emphasizes her commitment to preserving and promoting Azerbaijan’s national values and history through her art. For example, she incorporates motifs from the Karabakh carpet-weaving school into crystal-encrusted gift souvenirs. She explains, “This is both an innovation and a distinction. The high value of crystal stones results in costly works, so I realized I needed to generate sales to fund new creations.” Initially operating as an individual, she received support through orders from those around her. Later, to expand her work and collaborate with state institutions, she applied to “ABAD,” which appreciated her creations and provided assistance.

Naghiyeva’s ultimate aspiration is to hold an exhibition of her Karabakh collection in Shusha. She expresses her hope that “every tourist visiting Karabakh will be captivated by this collection and take a piece as a keepsake to adorn their homes or offices.”