The retrospective exhibition of one of the most famous representatives of Armenian new fine art Ara Shiraz opened today at the National Gallery of Armenia.

The Head of the Sculpture Department at the National Gallery Mariam Davtyan told reporters the exhibition is aimed at representing the whole creative way of Ara Shiraz, with transformations of all volumes and forms, from sculptural works to graphic papers including about ninety works from the collections of the National Gallery of Armenia, Yerevan Modern Art Museum and the artist’s family.

It was noted that graphic works of the artist’s earlier period are displayed for the first time.

A close friend to Shiraz Robert Elibekyan noted that the artist’s works have been under confinement for years, yet Shiraz has always wished his works to live. 

Director at the Gallery Arman Tsaturyan informed the event concludes the series of exhibitions planned for the ongoing year.

To note, Ara Shiraz was born in 1941 into the family of remarkable poets Hovhannes Shiraz and Silva Kaputikyan. In 1966, he graduated from Yerevan State Institute of Theatre and Arts. From 1968 till the end of his life he was a member of the Union of Artists of Armenia. In 1987 the artist was elected as the president of the Union of Artists of Armenia. He was awarded a title of Honoured Artist of Armenia in 1977. In 1979 Shiraz was awarded a State Prize for the sculpted ornaments of hotel “Dvin” (Yerevan). He received a title of People’s Artist of Armenia in 2009. The sculptor participated in numerous exhibitions in Armenia and abroad.