“ARTICLE”
Contemporary art is not about images, but messages. It is the expression of a psychological state and emotional feelings through new techniques.
The focus of contemporary art is not reproduction of reality in photographic precision. It does not intend to reproduce landscapes or still-lifes — the reflection of sunlight on water, or the masterful image of a juicy apple, and so on. Contemporary art is about leaps of mind, about breaking and overcoming boundaries.
Some confuse and envision contemporary art as totally dedicated to mastery of aesthetics. Many believe that “good” contemporary art are reproductions of images as they are in reality, without lacking any detail. This is perhaps true. However, any contemporary art piece is ultimately about the fusion of feeling and message. Otherwise the art would not be able to interact with the viewer and could not convey neither thought nor message. The issue, therefore, is depth and philosophical complexity, not the presentation of superficial details.
In Vahagn’s paintings, we see images and distinct compositions of multitudes of layers, as well as symbols and allegories. For the artist who loves to experiment, art is very subjective. “Every artist has to be selfish and do whatever he or she wants… As far as I am concerned, I represent my generation, which has a lot to prove to the world,” says the artist.
The present exhibition: “Article”, follows Vahagn’s “NO Comment” exhibition held at ACCEA/NPAK in 2010. It is inspired by political events, which have become our daily routine: The Customs’ Union, USA-Russia relations, the Cold War, Ukraine, the Armenian Army, increase of gas prices, etc… All of these events have entangled and disoriented us. Vahagn states:
I am for the free expression of all political and social thoughts, ideologies, and means of expression. But I am against destruction of cultural monuments and building ‘new structures’ in their place. We do not have the right to disrespect cultural values, countries’ national colors or monuments, which often fall victim to vandalism. Today people have lost cultural values, and consider everything to be art. Two decades ago, there was more active and serious artistic milieu in Armenia.
It is difficult to interpret or describe a work of art in words. Perhaps to find the answer we must approach contemporary art emotionally, and determine what impressions, messages, or traces we take with us after viewing the work.
ArpaHacopian
Curator
