AZG Armenian Daily #051, 23/03/2005

Culture

SHAHEN KHACHATRIAN TO LECTURE IN LOS ANGELES

The lectures dedicated to 125th anniversary of Martiros Sarian and
held at the Glendale Central Library became an unprecedented evening
of the Armenian Art, when Mr. Shahen Khachatrian, a well-known art
critic from Armenia, began telling about Sarian’s exhibition hall at
Picasso Museum in Antibes.

Khachatrian stage by stage represented the creative life of Martiros
Sarian since 1901 till the last sketch Maestro made. Mr. Shahen
thoroughly spoke of each piece of the great master with devotion and
love. The audience was charmed and delighted to get so close to the
art of Maestro Sarian.

The arrangement was organized by Tekeyan Cultural Fund. The listeners
were greatly impressed both by the art of Sarian and by the lecture
delivered by Shahen Khachatrian.

Dr. Minas Gocheyan represented Mr. Khachatrian to the audience. His
name is closely connected with Martiros Sarian’s creative life. In
1967, Maestro Sarian appointed Shahen Khachatrian head of Martiros
Sarian’s Museum. He led the museum for over 40 years.

After Armenia became independent, Shahen Khachatrian was appointed
the head of RA National Picture Gallery, as well. He worked in these
two positions, enriching the collection of the Picture Gallery with
over 500 pieces purchased and collected from Diaspora and Russia. He
led RA National Picture Gallery for 13 years. During these years he
also led other 16 museums and galleries of Armenia.

Mr. Khachatrian published monograms dedicated to Sarian, Hakobian,
Minas and Ayvazovski. He has delivered many lectures, organized 60
exhibitions. The last exhibition was held in Antibes at Picasso Museum.

At present, Mr. Khachatrian is leading the newly opened Archie Gorky
Museum in Etchmiadzin.

Mr. Khachatrian was awarded “Honored Artist of Armenia” and “Movses
Khorenatsi” medal in 1998.