We recently announced an upcoming exhibition, “The Art of Disruption: The Art and Impact of Serj Tankian,” a groundbreaking biographical and multimedia showcase that explores the life, art, and activism of Serj Tankian--internationally renowned musician, visual artist, poet, and human rights advocate. The exhibition opens to the public on Sept. 6 and will run through Feb. 28, 2026.
Inspired by Tankian’s 2024 memoir “Down with the System,” this immersive exhibition highlights the intersections of music, painting, and protest that define his work. Best known as the electrifying frontman of the Grammy Award-winning rock band System Of A Down, Tankian has also emerged as a powerful visual artist and outspoken advocate for social justice, genocide recognition, environmental protection, and Armenian cultural identity.
“The Art of Disruption” highlights Tankian as a genre-defying musician and a multidisciplinary creator whose impact transcends stage and studio. Featuring original paintings, music, video, and personal artifacts, the exhibition offers an intimate look at the ways Tankian has used creative expression as a tool for activism and healing.
“We are honored to present this landmark exhibition celebrating one of the most compelling artistic voices of our time,” said Executive Director Jason Sohigian. “Serj’s commitment to truth and justice resonates deeply with our mission, and we’re excited to share his powerful story with audiences of all backgrounds.”
Serj Tankian, Les Ocean Melodies, 2023, Acrylic on canvas, 60 x 72 in. On loan from the Eye for Sound Gallery
The exhibition will be accompanied by a series of programs including a Curator Chat and a video of the artist streaming in our Rose and Gregory A. Kolligian Media Room. All of the works in the show are available for purchase, with proceeds of the sales benefitting the mission of the Armenian Museum of America.
Five different lithograph prints by Serj Tankian are also available in the Gift Shop, which are hand-signed and hand-numbered by the artist in a limited edition of 30, created especially for this exhibition
All of the works are accompanied by music scores created by Serj Tankian. Arloopa created an app in Armenia, which uses augmented reality to recognize each piece using a smartphone. Visitors are encouraged to download the app before viewing the show and bring their headphones to experience the works as the artist intended.
The opening on Sept. 6 will include a Curator Chat with the artist, and it is already sold out. It is not a signing event, but rather an opportunity to view the works in the Adele and Haig Der Manuelian Galleries.
The exhibition is curated by Ryann Casey and sponsored by Carolyn Mugar and the Alan and Isabelle DerKazarian Foundation.