11: Selections of Armenian Contemporary Abstract Art

July 14, 2018 – September 16, 2018 What is abstraction? If we consider the word not in the context of art, then it is the result of an abstracting process, wherein one is able to discern the general phenomenon of something. The abstracting process, in turn, is the outline of the general, characteristic and legitimate features of a subject or effect on a cognitive level, which is achieved by abstraction from the inessential characteristics. Consequently, abstracting helps us relate to the general features of the world; color, beauty, length, honesty, and mood are among abstract notions. Abstraction is a complex of non-material ideas defining the real world.

In this context, the discourse of abstract art is more captivating. In fact, abstract notions have always existed. But abstract art, as it originated, formed its theoretical basis and developed during the last century. However, the aesthetic language typical for abstract art has existed for centuries, but it was not realized and perceived as an independent trend. 
In Armenia, abstract art emerged in the 60-70s of the 20th century. During the Soviet period, engagement with the world cultural tendencies of the West was blocked, and artists in the Soviet Union had to use devious approaches to get in touch with the development of post-war contemporary art. 

Although, abstract art in its varied expressions, including luchism, orphism, suprematism or tashism, has already existed more than a century, even today viewers, museum visitors, and art lovers are skeptical concerning this trend. What is abstract art, how to view and appraise it? 

The exhibition, 11: Selections of Armenian Contemporary Abstract Art at the Cafesjian Center for the Arts is an effort to present the field of contemporary abstract art in Armenia which is far larger than offered by this exhibition. The eleven artists represented in Eagle and Sasuntsi Davit Garden Galleries reveal how diverse abstract art can be with respect to aesthetics and technique. A significant part of the artwork is presented for the first time or was created especially for this exhibition. Through the exhibition the Cafesjian Center for the Arts brings special attention and recognition to Armenian contemporary abstract art.

In Eagle and Sasuntsi Davit Garden Galleries of the Center some fifty artworks by eleven Armenian artists will be presented: Albert Hakobyan, Ashot Harutyunyan, Gagik Ghazanchyan, George Kassabian, Edik Boghosian, Leo Leo Vardanyan, Khachatur Martirosyan, Hamlet Hovsepian, Moko Khachatryan, Yura Harutyunyan, Vahan Rumelyan.

Exhibition Catalog