Minas Avetisian (1928-1975) painted and illustrated in a style that was revolutionary for his time. Born in the village of Jajur, Minas reshaped the pallet of colors and style that were typical of Armenian artists at the time. His method differs from traditional plein-air (outdoor) painting as he completed most of his works in his studio. He chose bold lines and primary colors to evoke deep emotion in his works. In this video, Gay Lind-Sinanian highlights two pieces that were gifted to our collection by Dr. and Mrs. Nishan and Mary Goudsouzian. Mary is a long-time Trustee of the Armenian Museum of America.
Vibrant Paintings of Melkon Hovhannisyan
Melkon Hovhannisyan is a prominent painter and sculptor from Gandzak Village which is in the Gegharkunik Province of Armenia. Melkon graduated from Erevani Gexarvesti Petakan Akademia in 1970 with a very unique style of painting that he still uses today. Thanks to the Estate of Isabelle Hodgson, we have three spectacular abstract paintings here in our collection.
Invaluable Norikian Painting and Mystery Pieces
We recently acquired several artworks from the Estate of Isabelle Hodgson. The first is a wonderful painting by Krikor Norikian. Collections Curator Gary Lind-Sinanian explains that the Armenian Museum of America mounted an exhibition of Norikian’s works back in 1978. He also highlights a large copper tray with motifs influenced by illuminated manuscripts, and a mystery painting signed Paul. If anyone recognizes his style, please let us know!
Painting Within a Painting
This work depicts a talented artist and a deep friendship between two artists. Richard Tashjian was a friend of the renowned artist Minas Avetisyan. Unfortunately, Minas’ studio and many of his paintings were destroyed in a fire in 1974. Fortunately, Richard had photos of some of his works. Watch as Collections Curator Gary-Lind Sinanian describes the significance of the smaller painting within this large piece on display in one of our second-floor galleries.
Arthur Mazmanian’s Sculpture on Paper
This past weekend, a member of the museum community generously donated a beautiful painting by New England artist Arthur B. Mazmanian (1931-1979). Mazmanian was known for his abstract wall sculptures. The piece highlighted by Curator Gary Lind-Sinanian, titled “Icon 4,” uses a painting technique that embosses the paper and gives it a texture similar to a sculpture. Framingham State University named its gallery after him, and it presents exhibitions by established, emerging, and student artists.
The Functional Art of Georges Bezidjian
Georges Bezidjian was a collector, artist, and jeweler from Aleppo. Georges was inspired by pieces he collected. For instance, he designed a box with crosses for clasps much like an antique women’s belt. He also crafted a gold cross for Catholicos Vasken I with a beautiful emerald that signified it was for the highest member of clergy. In this video, Curator Gary Lind-Sinanian displays several pieces that were given to the Museum.
The Photographic Realism of John Berberian
John Berberian of Providence, Rhode Island, is an artist that draws in the style of photographic realism. This American art movement also known as super-realism began in the 1960s and took photography as its inspiration. In this video, Collections Curator Gary Lind-Sinanian highlights two of John's incredibly detailed works depicting well-known Armenians.
Karsh Portraits
The Armenian Museum of America features a hugely popular exhibition of famous Yousuf Karsh portraits in the Bedoukian Galleries, generously donated by his widow Mrs. Estrellita Karsh. We are also fortunate to have several other Karsh photographs that are not on display. In this video, Curator Gary Lind-Sinanan shares the images of opera singer Marian Anderson, as well as Karsh’s self-portrait together with Jim Henson and Kermit.
The Works of Anatoli Avetian
The Armenian Museum is home to a large art collection containing works by Armenian artists in all mediums. One of the more interesting formats is that used by Anatoli Avetian: sheets of metal that are treated with an acid wash. In this video Collections Curator Gary Lind-Sinanian discusses the artist’s technique.
The Works of Anatoli Avetian
The Armenian Museum is home to a large art collection containing works by Armenian artists in all mediums. One of the more interesting formats is that used by Anatoli Avetian: sheets of metal that are treated with an acid wash. In this video Collections Curator Gary Lind-Sinanian discusses the artist’s technique.
The Art of Darvish
Here at the Armenian Museum, our mission is to educate the public about Armenian art and culture, and as such our galleries are filled with typically Armenian works. However, like any other culture, Armenian culture does not exist in a vacuum and can reflect influences from other traditions. This week, Collections Curator Gary Lind-Sinanian discusses the Persian influence over one family of Armenian artists. The artist André Sevruguin, who painted using the name Darvish, was a son of the Armenian photographer Antoin Sevruguin.
The Art of Jack Kevorkian
The Armenian Museum’s collection spans the entirety of Armenian history and culture, including contemporary artwork and political commentary. This week we look at a piece of socio-political art in our collection from the late 20th century. The imagery is powerful and it is all the more interesting because of the artist: the late Dr. Jack Kevorkian. Click to watch as Collections Curator Gary Lind-Sinanian discusses the doctor, his artwork, and his inspiration.
Cradle Band
Child rearing customs are different all over the world and have changed over time. From diet and nutrition, to clothing, to how they sleep, the first months and years of a baby’s life can have life-long results. Armenian cradles, for example, have a distinctive look and function that literally have left a mark on generations of Armenians. Join Collections Curator Gary Lind-Sinanian as he discusses the unique features of Armenian cradles and parenting, and the historical impact they have had on the development of Armenian children.