Ali Shamsi Workshop: Surrealist Art and Azerbaijani Folklore in Baku's Old City
Getting lost in the cobblestone lanes of Icherisheher, Baku's Old City, always holds an unexpected reward. One of the most memorable is the Ali Shamsi Workshop, a studio-gallery where art doesn't hang on the walls — it invades them completely: floors, ceilings and walls are covered in paintings that blend surrealism, symbolism and Azerbaijani folklore in an explosion of colour and fantasy.
Ali Shamsi: the Artist and His World
Ali Shamsi is one of Azerbaijan's most distinctive painters. His work draws on the country's folk traditions — its stories, textiles and mugham music — and transforms them through a surrealist lens into compositions where the real and the fantastical coexist effortlessly. Shamsi usually works in his studio, turning the visit into an interactive experience: you can often find him painting and willing to talk about his creative process.
A Gallery That Breaks All the Moulds
Unlike conventional galleries, the Ali Shamsi Workshop has no "exhibition room": the entire space is the work. From the moment you step inside, you are enveloped by a universe of images in which elements of Azerbaijani folklore — carpets, vessels, mythological figures — coexist with melting clocks and impossible perspectives in the style of Dalí.
A Meeting Point for Creatives
The workshop also functions as a gathering place for local artists and regularly hosts small group exhibitions, book launches and cultural discussions. A visit that enriches the itinerary of any traveller with an artistic streak.
The workshop is just a few minutes' walk from the Maiden Tower and the Baku Carpet Museum, together forming a perfect cultural triangle in the heart of the city.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you buy Ali Shamsi's work at the workshop?
Yes, the workshop also operates as a sales gallery. Shamsi and his team welcome visitors and it is possible to purchase original paintings, prints and reproductions in various formats and price ranges.
Is there an admission fee at the Ali Shamsi Workshop in Baku?
The visit is usually free or by voluntary contribution. As it is the artist's private space, it is advisable to check the opening hours in advance, as they may vary.
Where exactly is the Ali Shamsi Workshop in Baku?
It is located within Baku's old city (Icherisheher), the UNESCO World Heritage neighbourhood. The exact address can be found on Google Maps by searching "Ali Shamsi Workshop Baku".