On May 2, a solo exhibition titled "When the Soul Speaks", dedicated to the 85th anniversary of People's Artist and renowned sculptor Akif Asgarov, opened at the Azerbaijan National Museum of Art.
The opening ceremony was attended by public and cultural figures, the sculptor’s artistic colleagues, family members, students, and numerous art enthusiasts.

Speeches were delivered by Shirin Malikova, Director of the Azerbaijan National Museum of Art and PhD in Art Studies; Isa Habibbeyli, President of the Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences and academician; Natig Aliyev, Rector of the Azerbaijan State Academy of Fine Arts and People’s Artist; People's Artists Omar Eldarov and Salhab Mammadov; Honored Art Worker Chingiz Farzaliyev; and Rovshan Huseynov on behalf of Akif Asgarov’s family. The speakers highlighted the significance of the exhibition, the distinguished artist’s contribution to Azerbaijani visual art, his decades-long creative legacy, and also shared personal memories.
After the official part, guests explored the exhibition.

It should be noted that this retrospective exhibition, jointly organized by the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Azerbaijan National Museum of Art, showcases about 60 works of easel sculpture and graphic drawings, most of which come from the artist’s family collection.
The exhibition reflects different periods of Akif Asgarov’s creative career.  The small-scale sculptures reveal his favorite themes — such as images of women, ballerinas, and elderly people — as well as reliefs dedicated to Nizami’s “Khamsa”, which occupy an important place in his work.
Additionally, the display of his work desk, numerous awards, and honorary titles leaves a special impression on visitors, offering insight into the artist's life, continuous creative journey, and the broader world of his art.

The exhibition will remain open to visitors until September 3, 2025.