Born in 1964 in Baku, Azerbaijan. Lives and works in Carrara, Italy. Aidan Salakhova is a multidisciplinary artist exploring themes of gender, sexuality, and mysticism, often in the context of Islamic culture and the tension between East and West. Her work is part of major collections including the Moscow Museum of Modern Art, the François Pinault Foundation, and the Boghossian Foundation. She represented Azerbaijan at the 2011 Venice Biennale.
About her work:
Aidan Salakhova’s practice spans sculpture, painting, photography and installation. Through symbolic and sensual forms—often in marble—she explores taboos, femininity, and esotericism. Her work questions patriarchal norms and spiritual authority, blending contemporary aesthetics with traditional iconography. The Harem Toys series exemplifies her provocative yet poetic approach to power, desire, and veiled narratives.