Speech from underground

By Vahe Davtian

Yerkir/arm
November 12, 2004

Freedom is acceptable as long as it does not limit other persons’
freedom. Modern Armenian society seems to have forgotten it. This
especially concerns the youth which not only discards any innovations,
but also tries to fight them all down. One of the victims of that
`aggression’ is the Armenian alternative art.

We all know what is an alternative. But there is little information
about the alternative art. It is no surprise. The alternative culture
is in its formation period, but already faces strong
opposition. Alternative art is apart of culture seeking new ways and
principles for exploring human inner world. Usually it comes across
typical approaches: radicalism.

This is why it is not wide spread. One of the principles of
alternative art says: `you can take it or you can denounce it.’ But
the Armenian youth regards it as evil for the country. Sometimes
alternative art is accused of having satanic elements. But all other
branches of art and science have it, too. So do we come do denounce
them allâ=80¦?

Many people explain this hatred to the alternative art, saying that it
destroys national mentality and routineâ=80¦ They claim to be
traditionalists. But does it mean that we have to keep to the Turkish
music type and to vulgarizing out language? Surely, tradition should
be in the basis of any art arising.

Same is true to the alternative art. The same music should be based on
popular tunes. The alternative art, as well as alternative science
believe that everything must spring from national roots. Naturally,
this art is denounced by classics supporters It is unclear, however,
why this is said by people who keep to classic only in clothsâ=80¦

Today in all the civilized countries there are alternative art
centers. There is a couple in Armenia, too, but they are still
underground. Anyways, life proves that nothing stays underground too
long.