Photo by master Tofik Rasulov

Tofik Rasulov, a well-known net maker from Sheki, is making a carpet-like net for the first time. A new large-scale, complex composition grid, which the artist has been working on for three months, will soon be presented to art lovers. More than 30,000 wooden parts and colored glass were used in the preparation of the 3-meter-long, 2-meter-high carpet-like network. From now on, it can be said with certainty that this unique work of art of the artist will be of great interest to those who see it.
The master said that network art, like all types of art, should constantly develop: "An artist should not stop at one place, he should always strive for innovation, he should search for new forms and styles. Thankfully, today in Azerbaijan, as well as in Sheki, the land of artisans, an ancient handicraft network is being developed. Young people's interest in this field is increasing, a new generation of network masters is growing up. I thought I would also make a complex grid pattern in a new shape and design. Carpet ornaments are mainly used in making the net. The details are connected to each other by the weaving method, as in a carpet, no glue, nails, or other fastening materials are used."
The artist said that the new work will be presented to art lovers for the first time at the network exhibition organized by the Ministry of Youth and Sports in Baku in February. In this exhibition, which will be called "Rasulov's network and the young generation", about 40 handicrafts of Tofik Rasulov and his sons, who are known as network masters, will be displayed. According to the master, such a large network exhibition was organized for the first time during the Soviet era and was dedicated to the work of Ashraf Rasulov, the well-known network master of Shaki. Since then, no such exhibition has been organized in Azerbaijan. After Baku, this exhibition is planned to be organized in Sheki and several foreign countries.
It should be noted that Tofik Rasulov is the son of Ashraf Rasulov, a well-known network master of Azerbaijan. He has been practicing this ancient craft for more than 40 years. The network samples prepared by the artist have been exhibited at exhibitions organized in many countries of the world. Usta was closely involved in the restoration of the palace of the Sheki Khans, the house of the Shekikhanovs, "Shah Abbas" mosques in Ganja, and "Imamzade" mosques in Barda. At present, his children also live the network art with great love.