The Art of Disruption: The Art and Impact of Serj Tankian is a landmark biographical and multimedia exhibition celebrating the creative, activist, and diasporic journey of Serj Tankian—musician, visual artist, poet, and outspoken advocate for human rights. Inspired by his 2024 memoir Down with the System, the exhibition immerses visitors in the dynamic intersections of music, painting, and protest that define Tankian’s work.

Known globally as the electrifying frontman of System Of A Down, Tankian has used his platform to advocate for genocide recognition, environmental justice, and Armenian cultural identity. This exhibition repositions him not only as a groundbreaking musician but as a multidisciplinary artist and activist whose influence spans generations and borders.

Curated by Ryann Casey. Sponsored by Carolyn Mugar and the Alan K. & Isabelle DerKazarian Foundation.

Open through February 2026.

The Art of Disruption: The Art and Impact of Serj Tankian

This unforgettable opening evening included a live panel discussion with the museum director Jason Sohigian, exhibition curator, Ryann Casey and assistant curator Amanda Cantillon.

Photos by Natalie Nigito Photography.

"The Art of Disruption | The Art and Impact of Serj Tankian" opened on September 6 to an enthusiastic crowd of members, trustees, and fans celebrating the work of this remarkable artist, musician, and activist. The exhibition features Tankian’s original abstract paintings, music compositions, video installations, poems, and personal artifacts—an immersive experience that redefines the boundaries between sound, image, and feeling. 

Video production and coverage of the opening by Michael Ferrari. 

about the artist

A visionary singer, composer, poet, visual artist, activist, and producer, Serj Tankian (b. 1967) has long used creative expression to channel his passion and purpose. An Armenian born in Lebanon and re-rooted in Los Angeles, Serj was introduced to the melding of cultures, ideas and art from a very young age. The principles learned from this integration and adaptation are explored throughout his creative pursuits; from music to art to poetry, each work blending cultural influences with a deep sense of social consciousness.

As the lead singer and songwriter for System Of A Down, Serj has released five studio albums, winning a Grammy Award in 2006 for “B.Y.O.B.” and selling over 40 million albums worldwide. Tankian has released multiple albums of solo material including 2007's chart-topping hard rock album Elect the Dead, Imperfect Harmonies (2010), Harakiri (2012), Orca Symphony No. 1 (2013), and Jazz-Iz Christ that same year. In 2021, he released his critically acclaimed rock EP Elasticity and Cool Gardens Poetry Suite (an amalgam of cinematic music and Serj’s own poetry) followed by a two-part collection of instrumental music dubbed Cinematique Series: Illuminate and Cinematique Series: Violent Violins. More recently he’s released Perplex Cities (2022) and Foundations (2024) as well as contributed to a number of soundtracks including, I Am Not Alone (2021), Truth to Power (2021) and Madoff: The Monster Of Wall Street (2022). Along with fellow musician Tom Morello (Rage Against the Machine, Audioslave), Tankian co-founded the non-profit organization Axis of Justice in 2002, which strives to bring together musicians, music fans, and grassroots political organizations to fight for social justice.

As a visual artist, Tankian has exhibited nationally and internationally since 2013 starting with his Disarming Time Musical Paintings at Project Gallery in Los Angeles. Often paired with original compositions and a musical score, these exhibitions create a uniquely audible and visual experience when viewing the work. With over 100 original artworks, Serj’s artwork has been exhibited at the New Museum Los Gatos, Tufenkian Fine Arts, Garboushian Gallery, Art Angels, Stephanie's Gallery and his very own Eye For Sound Gallery in Los Angeles. Tankian has also exhibited work in New Zealand starting in 2019 at The Vivian and Boyd-Dunlop Gallery and most recently in Auckland and Wellington in 2023 at the Suite Gallery locations in both cities. 

Beyond music and art, Serj is also an accomplished poet, writer, and activist, publishing two poetry books, Cool Gardens (2002) and Glaring Through Oblivion (2011) as well as the New York Times bestselling autobiography, Down with the System: A Memoir (2024).

news

Listening to the Paintings of Serj Tankian

by Aaron Short, Hyperallergic

Grammy Award–winning System of a Down vocalist Serj Tankian brings his multi-sensory vision to the Armenian Museum of America in Watertown. His abstract paintings—layered with a handful of colors that stir deep, often indescribable emotions—come alive when paired with music he composed especially for them.

“I see music and visual art as extensions of the same soul. When I paint, I’m composing. When I compose, I’m painting,” Tankian explains. This exhibition allows visitors to step into that vision: a gallery where art and sound are inseparable, where a canvas can be heard as well as seen.

On view through February, The Art of Disruption showcases Tankian’s original abstract paintings alongside musical compositions, video installations, poems, and personal artifacts—an immersive experience that redefines the boundaries between sound, image, and feeling.

The Art of Disruption: The Art and Impact of Serj Tankian, a groundbreaking multimedia exhibition celebrating the creativity and activism of the Grammy Award-winning System of a Down frontman. Featuring original paintings, music scores, video, and personal artifacts, the show also invites visitors to experience Tankian’s works through augmented reality using the Arloopa app. On view September 6, 2025 – February 28, 2026.

About the curator

Ryann Casey is a New Jersey based artist, curator, and educator. Casey holds a BA in Photography with a minor in Gender Studies from Stockton University and an MFA/MS in Photography and Art History from Pratt Institute. She currently works as the Exhibitions Coordinator at the Stockton University Art Gallery and is an adjunct Professor of Photography, Art History and Critical Theory. Casey’s current photographic work focuses on themes of loss, trauma and memory including her long-term project Loss Event. Recent curatorial projects include Indigenous Approaches, Sustainable Futures, We Are the River: Complex Narratives, Conservation & Committing to New Jersey's Waterways, Before, After: Reflections on the Armenian Genocide, Gandzaran! Notable Selections from the Armenian Museum of America, and The Road Home: Migration, Displacement & Redefining Where We Live.

These works are a preview of select pieces that will be on view in The Art of Disruption: The Art and Impact of Serj Tankian

Thes five works below reflect the core of The Art of Disruption which represent bold, immersive pieces that fuse Serj Tankian’s music, art, and activism. Inspired by his memoir Down with the System, each work invites reflection and participation. Signed and available for purchase while supplies last, they offer a unique chance to own part of Tankian’s creative vision. Membership discounts apply.

With Gratitude
The Armenian Museum of America extends heartfelt thanks to everyone who contributed to the success of this exhibition. From our generous exhibition sponsors and dedicated collaborators to the staff, volunteers, and service providers who supported every aspect of the installation and opening, your efforts have been invaluable in bringing this project to life.

Exhibition Sponsors

• Alan K. And Isabelle DerKazarian Foundation

• Carolyn Mugar

Exhibition Collaborators

• Serj Tankian

• Ryann Casey

• George Tonikian

• Amanda Cantillon

• Joe MacFadzen

• Patrick Goguen

• Artful Edge Framing

• Hratch Iskenderian / IMG Painting Inc.

• Michael Persons / Epitome Studio

• Dan Olsen / Mike Nelson (Olsen Images)

• Gander & White Shipping Ltd.

Staff

• Jason Sohigian

• Sarah Hayes

• Gary Lind-Sinanian

• Caprice Erickson

• Denise Takvorian

• Nareg Kalayjian

• Nicole Burmeister

• Amal Tarabay

• Anahit Gasparyan

• Signal Security Team

• Watertown Police Department

Volunteers

• Robert, Vicki, Sona Sohigian

• David Lara

• Raffi Donoian

• Sheila Krekorian

• Eric Thivierge

• Jim Vetere

• Sam Barrett

• Laura Bresnee

• Sonia Awde

• Raffi Kaivalya

Exhibition Opening Contract Collaborators

• Peter Slabysz

• Natalie Nigito

• Mike Ferrari