Armenian painters hold exhibition in Pesaro

An exhibition of Armenian painters entitled ‘In Search for Paradise – New Figurative Art of Armenia’ was held in Pesaro, Italy, June 9 to July 9, 2012.

Paintings by Teni Vardanyan, Ararat Sargsyan, Sargis Amalbashyan, Savvel Saghatelyan, as well as a sculpture by Ara Alekyan, were displayed at the exhibition, which was hosted by the Antikyan gallery.

The exhibition was organized with the sponsorship of Renco Spa. Exhibition manager Armine Antikyan told Tert.am that a number of visitors to the exhibition set a record. “This is the first attempt by the Antikyan Gallery, but we hope that such cultural events will be traditional. We have received numerous proposals for cooperation from Italian painters, and their works will be exhibited in Armenia. This is the best means of cultural dialogue, which may be a source of inspiration,” she said.

One of the participants, Ararat Sargsyan, told Tert.am that Armenian painters have had numerous exhibitions for the last 20 years, but this was an exceptional exhibition. “Italy is a touchstone for us painters. Throughout our student days we were inspired with Renaissance masterpieces. It was a great responsibility for us to exhibit our works in Italy. But Italians now about our art very well, especially about our early Christian architecture,” he said.

Italy and its art are of great importance for Sargis Amalbashyan. “It is impressive to learn something at your early age, hear about it or read it. Then you seen it in real life. People are showing interest in our works because they have realized that valuable works of art are created in Armenia. Our visit to Italy will inspire new ideas,” he said.

Teni Vardanyan explained the name of the exhibition, ‘In search for Paradise.’ “Each person is in search of paradise in life. A person always thinks that he has either lost or failed to find his paradise. Almost all the painters are interested in this topic. Creative process IS a search for this paradise,” she said.