"Spirit-Voice-Image" Educational Program in Venice
Educational Program at the Armenian National Pavilion of the 60th Venice Art Biennale
The Spirit-Voice-Image educational program was implemented as part of the 60th International Art Exhibition – La Biennale di Venezia 2024 by the Cafesjian Center for the Arts (CCA), the co-organizer and main sponsor of the Armenian National Pavilion. This marked the first time such a format was introduced in the Armenian National Pavilion.
As part of the program, five sessions were held, involving around 70 students and other visitors, including prestigious educational and cultural institutions such as European Cultural Academy (ECA), NEST College & Campus Trento, Ca' Foscari University of Venice (Università Ca' Foscari) and the Choir of La Scuola Grande di San Rocco.
In the first part of the program, participants were introduced to a multi-dimensional multi-media project Echo by Paris-based Armenian artist Nina Khemchyan, representing the Armenian National Pavilion. The project consists of three components: Seven Deadly Sins, Echo, Perfection.
Transitioning to a creative space, participants explored the lyrics of the accompanying music of the exhibition - Mesrop Mashtots’ sacred chants, a key part of the exhibition performed by Hasmik Baghdasaryan-Dolukhanyan. They were provided with translated texts and Latin-transliterated versions of the chants, which helped them engage with the content and even sing some of them.
Continuing to listen to spiritual music, participants then transitioned to the creative part of the program. Inspired by Nina Khemchyan’s spherical clay sculptures, they used circular paper and various materials to express their impressions and emotions inspired by the music.
Through the exhibition Echo and the educational program based on it, participants deepened their knowledge of Armenian culture while also having the opportunity for self-expression.