Art | 28.11.2009
Armenia claims a place in the world of contemporary art

Großansicht des Bildes mit der Bildunterschrift: Those who make it to
the top of the Cascade have a lot to see

The former Soviet republic usually makes headlines in connection to
its ongoing feuds with neighboring countries. But now it is also
attracting attention as the home of a world-famous art exhibition.

Businessman Gerard Cafesjian, a US-citizen with Armenian roots, chose
Armenia’s capital Yerevan over New York and Paris when he was looking
for a permanent exhibition space for his prominent art collection. For
rather culturally isolated Armenia, this project is an important
development and could, in the long run, attract tourists from all over
the world.

Cafesjian’s art collection is wide-ranging. It includes glassware,
photography, some Chagall paintings, as well as contemporary art from
Diaspora painters, which have never been on display in Armenia before.

"The first impression is great," said Abisak Zadian, an engineer from
Yerevan who felt compelled to visit the museum. "I am shocked by what
kind of art one can make from glass – shocked in a good way, I
mean. If there were ten people like Cafesjian, who would promote our
country like he does, Armenia would be full of miracles."

Soviet monument becomes art museum

Cities like Paris or New York had also courted Cafesjian and his
exhibition. But he had set his sights on Yerevan and, in particular,
the Cascade: a huge white stairwell surrounded by a complex of rooms,
courtyards and gardens, built into a slope rising some hundred meters
over Yerevan.

The Cascade was originally built as a Soviet monument, but decayed
after the fall of the USSR. The word is that Cafesjian invested some
30 million euros ($45 million) in renovating the Cascade both inside
and outside.

"In the whole of the Caucasus region there is no art and cultural
center like this one," said Ashot Gazazyan, a journalist and art
expert from Yerevan. "And we will be very happy to welcome tourists
here from all over the world, who will then remember Armenia in a good
way."

After eight years of reconstruction, the Art Center in the Cascade was
opened with a blaze of publicity just a couple of weeks ago.

However, an additional museum at the top of the hill is still under
construction, set to house items like Chagall paintings and Picasso
sculptures. The building process has almost come to a standstill, with
financial problems rumored to be the cause. Some fear the city will be
left with a decaying hulk one day, especially since the Cafesjian Art
Center has no professional board or endowment.

Minor difficulties don’t deter

"Even if Gerard Cafesjian has problems with local residents or with
certain laws, the officials will stand by his side," said Gazazyan. "I
am sure they will do everything to fulfill his demands and wishes. It
is his collection and he should be able to see it just the way he
wants to."

Like the politicians in Yerevan, the museum’s visitors are also
willing to compromise. They ignore the very noisy escalators and the
fact that finding their way into the galleries, which are tucked away
inside the Cascade, can be quite challenging as there are very few
signs.

For the people of Yerevan these are only minor faults. They are
delighted to finally have the chance to become part of the
international world of contemporary art.

Author: Mareike Aden (ew)
Editor: Kate Bowen

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