In a world where digital visibility is as vital as physical presence, partnering with Google Arts & Culture has allowed the Yerevan Biennial Art Foundation to bring Armenian culture to the global stage. For a country often mistaken for its neighbors, cultural recognition is an act of resistance, resilience, and renaissance. These virtual exhibitions are more than online galleries — they are gateways into the soul of a nation often overlooked. Through the works of painters, photographers, and monuments of memory, we tell our story. One of identity, survival, revolution, and profound beauty. Each project represents a piece of our collective tapestry, woven through history, politics, trauma, and creativity. This collaboration marks a historic step in ensuring that Armenia is not only found on the map — but remembered in hearts, seen through art, and felt across borders.
Art and IDENTITY, Part 1: Martiros Sarian’s Journey to the East
This story delves into the life and work of Martiros Sarian, a pivotal figure in Armenian art. Born in Nakhichevan-on-Don, Sarian's artistic journey took him through Russian symbolism and European Impressionism, notably influenced by Matisse. His travels to Armenia ignited a profound connection to his heritage, leading to a unique fusion of Eastern and Western aesthetics. Sarian's paintings, such as "By the Sea. Sphinx" and "Comet," reflect this synthesis, portraying Armenia's landscapes and cultural essence with vivid colors and dreamlike imagery. His experiences in Constantinople further enriched his perspective, capturing the city's dynamic transformation in the early 20th century.
East in Fairy Tales and Dreams: Art and IDENTITY, Part 2
Continuing Sarian's narrative, this segment examines his interpretation of the East, not as the Western gaze perceived it, but as a source of rich cultural heritage. Sarian emphasized his Armenian roots, distancing himself from labels like "orientalist." His works during this period, including "Armenian Woman with a Saz," showcase a deep spiritual connection to his homeland. The story also addresses the tumultuous events of 1915, highlighting the impact of the Armenian Genocide on Sarian and his contemporaries, and how these experiences influenced their artistic expressions.
Early Christian Monuments of Armenia
This piece explores Armenia's early Christian architecture, focusing on UNESCO World Heritage Sites like the Mother Cathedral of Etchmiadzin and the Churches of St. Gayane, St. Hripsime, and St. Shoghakat. Etchmiadzin, considered the oldest cathedral in Armenia, symbolizes the nation's adoption of Christianity in the early 4th century. The story also delves into the legends of martyrs like Hripsime and Gayane, whose sacrifices are commemorated through these sacred structures. The architectural designs of these churches influenced Christian architecture across Europe, showcasing Armenia's significant role in religious history.
From Cultural Memory to History: Armenia and UNESCO
This narrative highlights Armenia's UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the Haghpat Monastery, Zvartnots Cathedral, and the Geghard Monastery. Zvartnots, a 7th-century architectural marvel, was rediscovered in the 20th century and is noted for its unique design and symbolic reliefs. Geghard Monastery, partially carved into a mountain, is renowned for housing the spear that pierced Christ, according to tradition. These sites not only represent Armenia's rich religious history but also its architectural innovation and resilience through centuries of change.
Velvet Revolution by Mirzoyan
Focusing on contemporary history, this story captures the essence of Armenia's 2018 Velvet Revolution through the lens of artists like Mirzoyan and Gayane Yerkanyan. Mirzoyan's black-and-white photographs document the revolution's pivotal moments, drawing parallels to historical events like the Prague Spring. Yerkanyan's political posters blend street art with expressive design, reflecting the nation's collective emotions during this period of transformation. Together, their works offer a profound insight into the role of art in documenting and influencing societal change.
Home Saint Manuscripts
This piece delves into the sacred world of Armenian illuminated manuscripts, particularly those considered "Home Saints." These manuscripts, often believed to possess healing powers, were safeguarded by families across generations. The story recounts tales of these books surviving wars, natural disasters, and migrations, sometimes hidden underground or discovered through dreams. Artists like Zachariah of Avan contributed to this rich tradition, blending religious themes with Armenian folklore, resulting in manuscripts that are both spiritually and artistically significant.
Angels of Protection
This exhibition delves into the rich tradition of Armenian ceramics from Kutahya, a city renowned for its vibrant polychrome pottery. Armenian artisans in Kutahya produced a variety of ceramic items, including architectural tiles, household wares, and religious artifacts. Notably, egg-shaped ornaments adorned with six-winged seraphim were crafted as votive offerings and hung in churches, symbolizing protection. These ceramics, often inscribed in Armenian, reflect a blend of artistic excellence and spiritual significance.
The Aslamazyan Sisters
Mariam and Eranuhi Aslamazyan were pioneering Armenian women artists who broke gender norms in the Soviet art world. Born in the early 20th century, they pursued formal art education and developed eclectic styles that combined modernist influences with Armenian cultural themes. Their works spanned painting, ceramics, and graphic arts, often portraying women and everyday life. The sisters established a museum in Gyumri, Armenia, housing over 600 of their creations, marking a significant contribution to Armenian art and female representation in the arts.