AZG Armenian Daily #177, 29/09/2007

Culture

FREE MASTER CLASSES FOR ARMENIAN PHOTOGRAPHERS

On September 26, a regular film session was held at Naregatsi Art
Union. The spectators watched "Through Lenses" British film that dwelt
on the best ten photographers of the world. After the film session
Hrayr Baze, Kanadian-Armenian photographer, delivered a lecture on the
peculiarities of the art of photography. Hrayr Baze has been working
as a photographer for over 15 years. He released six albums of his
photographs, including "Karabakh," Western Armenia," "Naked Girls" and
others.

"Karabakh" album was released in 1992. It dwelt on the Artsakh war and
included documentary photos of the Armenian freedom fighter, destroyed
churches and cross stones. Later, he shot the newer history of
liberated Artsakh, Shushi and Stepanakert under reconstruction.

"Hovering Baze" album is a great contribution to the history of the
Armenian people. The album includes photos of the churches and cross
stones that are in the verge of destruction. Hrayr Baze stated that
the art of photography is not at a satisfactory level in Armenia,
there are not many skilled photographers in here. Perhaps, that’s why
Hrayr Baze in collaboration with Naregatsi Art Union is going to
deliver free master classes for the Armenian photographers. "We are
going to talk about the art of photography, discuss photos and
organize expeditions. We have drawback in the Armenian photo art, and
we should get rid of them," he said.

This is a serious attempt to contribute to the development of the art
of photography in Armenia. But Hrayr Baze has other projects,
too. Next year he is going to open a photography school in Artsakh and
pass his knowledge to the younger generation.

By Hasmik Haroutiunian, translated by K.A.