Adam Temptation

In the context of Christianity, Adam, the forefather of humanity, serves as an emblematic figure. Initially created in the pristine surroundings of Eden, he existed in blissful ignorance of the concepts of evil and wickedness. However, his unwitting consumption of the forbidden fruit led to a transformation, not unlike when a pure substance, such as gold, is blended with another, like copper, resulting in the emergence of new properties – whether positive or negative is a secondary concern. The fundamental question that arises is whether merging the pure spirit with another entity eventually leads to a conscious loss and a fundamental alteration of one's identity. The process unfolds in a way where the merged element becomes a component of one's self, making it an integral part of one's identity. As a result, one must grapple with the paradox of being oneself while simultaneously being a different entity. It's worth noting that such experiences, which don't annihilate us, contribute to our resilience and personal growth. In this particular narrative, we witness the internal struggle of the forefather, torn between accepting a transformative event or banishing it into the abyss of forgetfulness. It's at this moment that the realization dawns: the past has indelibly become a part of his self, and the past and the present, distinct yet intertwined, coexist as part of the same continuum.

                                                         Stone sculptor

I endeavored to craft a master stone artisan, a sculptor, whose formidable hands possess the ability to mold stone into a multitude of forms. Under these skilled hands, stone transforms into dynamic volumes, takes on unique character, communicates a message, adorns itself with intricate patterns, and stands immortal in the passage of time. This process embodies serenity, harmony, unwavering determination, and tireless daily effort, blending elements of faith, eternity, and purpose.

                                                   

                                                          Freedom

The humankind has extensively contemplated this question, striving to delineate and differentiate the genuine from the illusory. This concept, too, has eluded my thoughts over the years, leading me to forge my own perspective on freedom. In my view, true, absolute freedom for an individual remains elusive; it has not existed in the past and is unlikely to exist in the future. What we encounter are localized freedoms, which lean more towards independence than genuine, unbounded freedom. Absolute freedom, I believe, is a concept shrouded in myth and utopia. It was this contemplation that inspired me to create a piece of art representing the soaring, the transcendence, the alternative, the utopian, the free, and the essence of humanity.

                                                             

                                                                    MUSIC

National music encapsulates the essence of centuries of a particular culture on a musical canvas. In moments when words, colors, or shapes fall short, music emerges as the instinctive remedy, unlocking the depths of human emotions. If you identify as Armenian, recognizing and discerning your national melodies is paramount, as they hold immense potency. Yet, the true enrichment comes from the harmonious interplay with other cultural expressions, the universally cherished musical gems. Otherwise, one risks confining themselves to a narrow realm of limitation.

                                             

                                                In opposition to the masses

Humanity has long contemplated the idea of the crowd, with varying viewpoints on the matter. Hovhannes Tumanyan, the prominent dreamer of the Caucasus, offered his perspective: "The earth is in danger when the people become a crowd... The people and the crowd are opposites. The people are wise, generous, and kind, while the crowd is fickle, irritable, and inclined towards malevolence." To some, these reflections may sound somewhat manipulative, as I firmly believe that people and the collective are not opposing but rather interrelated categories, with one encompassing the other. Beyond the romantic viewpoint, this is a utopian ideal, a beautiful dream, a form of justification. For me, these concepts converge into the broader category of society, the only rational unit of 
human coexistence. Society, in its essence, is remarkably patient and adaptable, forgiving of nearly everything except true genius. There are discernible paths for altering the course of society, with two primary methods: evolution and revolution. I am adamantly against the latter, as revolutions are typically envisioned by romantics, carried out by fanatics, and their consequences are often reaped by opportunists. On the other hand, there exist numerous evolutionary routes, but I find the transformation of the individual's character and morality to be the most acceptable. Just as a person, when merging new qualities, perceptions, depths, and achievements, begins to diverge from the societal norms and chart a fresh course, this individual becomes a catalyst for progress, shaping the future through their actions. In essence, it is the deeply introspective, morally-centered 
individual who paves the way for the future, and opposition to the conventional is merely 
a natural byproduct. Any reform that isn't centered on moral transformation is, in my 
view, futile, echoing the sentiments of Thomas Carlyle.

                                                        Don Quixote

Much like Don Quixote, Cervantes stood at the forefront of humanist ideals, aspiring to restore mankind to its natural state reminiscent of a golden age. With this noble aim in mind, he willingly embraced the role of an idealistic knight-errant. A wandering utopian, he embarked on a quest for justice and truth, driven by the profound mission to eradicate violence from the world and hoist the banner of truth in every corner where apathy and a lack of ambition prevailed. Every delay in this pursuit represented another setback in our collective humanity.Contemplating Cervantes' timeless ideals, I found inspiration to create a dreamy knight and his worldly companion, evoking the essence of his enduring legacy.

                                            Poloz Mukuch and Citro Aleck

Poloz Mukuch and Tzitro Alek, two legendary figures from the bygone era of pre-industrial Gyumri, were renowned for their sharp wit and unwavering respect for traditional values. In a memorable exchange, a Russian inquired about Poloz Mukuch's nationality. He proudly responded, "I am a Gyumrarian." The Russian, taken aback, remarked, "As far as I know, there is no such nationality. "There is, my friend, the Gyumrarian is an Armenian with a sign of quality” replied Poloz Mukuch.Today, Tsitro Alek and Poloz Mukuch continue to engage in conversations with the citizens of Gyumri and visitors to the city, sharing their insights into the distinct qualities that define Gyumri.

                                                        Concentration

I aimed to explore the core of human existence: the unity of man with nature, the depths of human spirituality, and the connection to the supernatural. My quest was to identify that focal point where an individual's inner world becomes self-contained, where harmony prevails, and one senses their integration with the universe, becoming both a part of it and the universe itself. This is the essence of concentration, equilibrium, a state impervious to the passage of time – a timeless moment of serene eternity.

                                                             Tork Angegh

As per Khorenatsi's "History of Armenians," Tork Angegh was the descendant of Paskam and the grandson of Hayk Nahapet. He possessed an imposing presence, a towering and robust figure with an intimidating demeanor. His immense strength and mountain-like stature left a lasting impression on me from a young age.When I embarked on creating this sculpture, I aimed to draw a sharp contrast between this colossal superhuman figure capable of uprooting massive oaks and the simple, unassuming bird. This composition symbolized the intrinsic power of nature and the force of compassion pitted against sheer brute strength. 

                                    

                                                         Bronze age Man

The emergence of bronze marked a significant milestone in human history, propelling us into a fresh era, a new century. Crafted from a primal apprehension of the unknown and a relentless curiosity about uncharted frontiers, the bronze-wielding figure represents a symbol of the past, present, and future converging. This novel character, the 'superman,' may have stumbled on occasion, but inexorably advanced toward the unexplored territories of future.

                          

                                               Wine dipped metamorphoses

The cocoon encompassing one's individuality, their inner self, is shattered under the influence of wine, giving rise to their most unrestrained expressions. This liberation 
of the self-manifests in a spectrum of ambitions, spanning from courage to self-deception and even obsession.

               

                                                                   EUROPE

In Greek mythology, we encounter the story of Zeus, the most benevolent and highest-ranking deity, who, donning the guise of a snow-white bull with a majestic white mane, seizes the beautiful Princess Europa. She was frolicking bare on the beach with her companions when Zeus, in his bovine form, overwhelmed by animalistic desire, seduces the princess and takes her away with him. I aimed to immortalize the instant when Europe, consumed by passion, rashes into the world of pleasure.

Show less

                                              ADAM and EVE expulsion

In accordance with religious orthodox teachings, dating back to the sin committed in the Garden of Eden, humanity has continually grappled with the diminishing significance of sin and morality. In my artistic endeavors, I sought to encapsulate the precise moment of the catastrophic downfall of Adam and Eve, representing Woman and Man. This artistic endeavor aims to capture the emotions of inevitability, rejection, abandonment, and the profound realization of an impending fall. It delves into the realms of unconscious, instinctual connections or genuine love, exploring the dynamics of processes and the passage of time. As I shaped these forms, I contemplated these profound questions and sought to convey these complexities through my work.