MINAS MUSEUM (ARMENIA) TO RESUME NORMAL ACTIVITIES

/ARKA/
April 17, 2009
YEREVAN

The museum of the renowned Armenian painter and graphic artist Minas
Avetisyan in his native village, Jarjur, will resume normal activities
this month, Arman Avetisyan, the painter’s son and director of the
museum, told reporters at the Novosti press center.

The Minas Museum was opened in the village of Jarjur, Shirak region,
in 2005. On July 20, 20-08, a permanent exhibition of his works was
opened at the museum. Some of the works were granted by the National
Art Gallery of Armenia, others by his friends.

Avetisyan said that the museum has over 30 works by Minas. However,
they have not been accessible to visitors because the museum lacked
a security system and necessary personnel.

Avetisyan stressed that the problems have been resolved, and permanent
exposition of Minas’ works will be open at the museum from now on.

A. Avetisyan found it difficult to cite the exact number of Minas’
canvases preserved until now.

"No one can answer this question because it will take much longer
than one year to collect all of them," he said.

Avetisyan pointed out that the painter’s works constantly change their
owners. He expressed regret that most of the works ascribed to minas
are not the originals. "It is only by seeing the originals that one
can make sure of their being genuine," he said.

The painter’s son added that during the last years of his life Minas
would draw numerous drawings and presented them as souvenirs.

"So it is possible that new works by Minas will appear, and we will
only be glad," Avetisyan said.

Minas Avetisyan, Honored Artist of Armenia, was born on July 20,
1928, in the village of Jarjur, Shirka region.

He was educated at Yerevan Arts School after Terlemezyan, Yerevan
Institute of Theater and Arts, Leningrad Institute of Arts after Repin.

>From 1960 he lived in Yerevan. Minas had the first exhibition of
his works in 1960, but became widely known in 1962, after the Five
Artists exhibition in Yerevan.

>From 1960 to 1975 Minas created 500 canvases, as many drawings,
20 frescos and paintings for over ten dramas.

The painter died a tragic death in a car accident on February 24, 1975.