Mrs. Kathleen Cafesjian Baradaran with her husband, Mr. Jaff Baradaran, visited the Armenian National Pavilion at the 60th International Art Exhibition – La Biennale di Venezia.

On September 12th, Mrs. Kathleen Cafesjian Baradaran, President of the Cafesjian Family Foundation and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Cafesjian Museum Foundation (CMF), with her husband, Mr. Jaff Baradaran, visited the Armenian National Pavilion at the 60th International Art Exhibition – La Biennale di Venezia. They were introduced to Echo, an immersive multi-media project by Paris-based artist Nina Khemchyan. The exhibition was presented by the curator of the pavilion Armen Yesayants, Director of Exhibitions of the Cafesjian Center for the Arts (CCA), alongside the artist Nina Khemchyan and Yelizaveta Shirinyan, Director of Education at CCA.

The Cafesjian Family representatives were deeply moved by Echo, which skillfully weaved together memory, heritage, and contemporary themes. They praised the personal narratives behind the project and were touched by the enthusiastic feedback from visitors, as expressed in the Pavilion’s Guest Book. They noted how the exhibition not only resonated with the Armenian culture, but also connected with an international audience.

Mrs. and Mr. Baradaran were particularly impressed by the Pavilion's space at the Magazzino del Sale 3, telling as though the gallery itself was made for Echo, perfectly complementing the exhibition’s immersive experience and making the entire presentation cohesive and intentional. They believed that the exhibition went beyond Armenian cultural identity, reflecting on universal principles such as sin, repentance, and eternity.

As proud patrons of the Armenian National Pavilion in 2024, the Cafesjian Family representatives expressed their gratitude to the Pavilion’s team for their dedication in showcasing Armenian art on such a prestigious international stage.

Mrs. Baradaran wrote in the guest book: “It has been my honor and privilege to help make this exhibit a reality. Thanks to all who worked so diligently to make this happen...”

With over 23,000 visitors since its opening on April 20, the exhibition, Echo of the Armenian National Pavilion will remain on view at the Magazzino del Sale 3 until the Biennale’s closure on November 24, 2024.