REPUBLIC OF ARMENIA PAVILION AT THE VENICE BIENNALE: ARMENITY/HAYOUTIOUN
By MassisPost
Updated: March 16, 2015
SAN LAZZARO – In this symbolic year 2015, on the occasion of the 100th
commemoration of the Armenian Genocide, the Ministry of Culture of the
Republic of Armenia has dedicated its pavilion to the artists of the
Armenian diaspora. It will be located at the Mekhitarist Monastery on
the island of San Lazzaro degli Armeni. Curated by Adelina Cuberyan v.
Furstenberg, the Opening is on May 6, 2015.
The curatorial concept of armenity** implies the notion of
displacement and territory, justice and reconciliation, ethos and
resilience. Regardless of their place of birth, the selected artists
carry within their identity the memory of their origins. Through
their talent and willpower, these grandchildren of survivors of the
Armenian Genocide – the first genocide of the 20th century – rebuilt a
“transnational assembly” from the remnants of a shattered identity.
Their ingrained concern for memory, justice and reconciliation
skillfully transcends notions of territory, borders and geography.
Whether they were born in Beirut, Lyon, Los Angeles, or Cairo and
wherever they may reside, these global citizens constantly question
and reinvent their armenity.
Contemporary artists from the Armenian Diaspora invited to participate
include: Haig Aivazian, Lebanon; Nigol Bezjian, Syria/USA; Ann
a Boghiguian Egypt/Canada; Hera Buyuktasciyan, Turkey; Silvina
Der-Meguerditchian, Argentina/Germany; Rene Gabri & Ayreen Anastas,
Iran/Palestine/USA; Mekhitar Garabedian, Belgium; Aikaterini
Gegisian, Greece; Yervant Gianikian & Angela Ricci Lucchi, Italy;
Aram Jibilian, USA; Nina Katchadourian, USA/Finland; Melik Ohanian,
France; Mikayel Ohanjanyan, Armenia/Italy; Rosana Palazyan, Brasil;
Sarkis , Turkey/France; Hrair Sarkissian, Syria/UK.