The Armenian Genocide: 95 Years

Family Diminished
I have spent endless hours examining the historic heinous photographs of the Armenian Genocide. My being was shattered to the bone viewing these abhorrent images, while my eyes bleed viewing the overwhelming sadness, pain, anguish, distrust and fear in the eyes looking at me from the photographs. Equally disturbing is viewing these same ancient unresolved emotions in the eyes of my dear contemporary Armenian friends, patiently still waiting for justice. My heart cry's for the human race that we have allowed this to remain without restitution. In Honor of my Dear Armenian friend Berge.

Carol Scavotto – b. 1951 Tiverton, Rhode Island

Sword Game
At times, Turkish soldiers found amusement by burying swords in the earth, points up, looking like piercing severed sapling trees. One woman at a time was chosen to come seat herself on the tip of the sword. A slow agonizing death occurred as the sword worked its way through her body. All the other horrified Armenian woman and girls were forced to bear witness to the excruciating crime while waiting their own turn.

Daniel Varoujan Hejinian - b. 1950 Chelmsford, Massachusetts

The mission of Peace of Art is to use art as an educational tool to bring awareness to the universal human condition through art and promote peaceful solutions to conflict.

Sevan Naccachian - Montreal, Canada

I feel honored for taking part as a painter in this historically and artistically important exhibition, THE ARMENIAN GENOCIDE—95 YEARS LATER, IN REMEMBRANCE. I find it important to highlight the history of the Armenian genocide with archival material and educational presentations, while also showcasing the surviving culture through today’s Art and celebrating it.

Nareg Haroutunian- b. 1966

It is a privilege to be involved in such a commemoration through the spirit of art - for it helps us pay our respects to the victims of the Genocide and at the same demonstrate through the arts the talent of a nation whose fire cannot be put out not by the Ottoman Turks or any other evil force

Chris Gasparian- b.1982 Huntington Station, NY

Being of Armenian descent and having lived in Armenia I understand how deeply ingrained the Genocide of 1915 is in our people’s history and how it continues to impede our progression in the 21st century. The ensuing frustration can at times be best communicated through artistic expression.

Lucine Kasbarian- Belmont, MA

Author Lucine Kasbarian was brought up in an Armenian-speaking home where humor, politics and the arts shared equal stage. She first began producing political cartoons in response to the appalling murder of journalist Hrant Dink and as a way to constructively express her outrage over social injustice and realpolitik. As a cartoonist, Lucine's intention is to spotlight realities and hypocrisies that do not receive adequate coverage in mainstream media; to see her work appear in media outlets that reflect the traditions of a truly free press; and to drive the points home in absurdist, paradoxical ways by drawing from history, popular culture and personal experience.

Chris Murphy- b.1987 Providence, RI

As an outsider to this struggle for recognition I feel privileged to be included in this exhibition. I created this sculpture to honor the strength of identity I have witnessed in the Armenian people. This body is broken; a starved soul left to dry out in the desert – his history not forgotten.

Cynthia Motian McGuirl- b. 1963 -Thomaston, Maine

My dreams hold a strong message from my Armenian ancestors to tell their stories. I create artwork of these dreams and narratives. Human rights, the perception of history, women’s rights, and justice are all important themes in my work

David Ayiryan- b. 1933 Johnston, Rhode Island

Kamancha player

Emma Grigoryan- b. 1943 New York, New York

I am participating in this exhibition because I am Armenian. I was born in Armenia and am proud to belong to a nation with rich historical past that has passed through centuries of struggle, yet has kept its hope, faith and love alive.

Medina Topalian- East Greenwich, Rhode Island

“Der Zor”Why I was inspired to create this piece: When one grieves, there must be an outlet for that grief or it destroys the human psyche. An artist possesses the gift of being able to release his/her pain through the brush with color, stroke and line. The grief resultant of the genocide of 1.5 million Armenians in 1915, a crime gone unpunished and denied by its perpetrators, the Ottoman Turks, has been trans-generational. In “Der Zor” I attempt to deal not only with my grandmother’s pain but also with my own. I seek to convey to the viewer the sheer hopelessness of the thousands that perished as well as to explore that element in the human soul that is indestructible – that enables transcendence. “Der Zor” communicates deep grief, desolation and abandonment. But from that dark place comes the light of transcendence - transcendence from the physical world of suffering. It is this light that inspires hope and strength. It is this light that enabled my grandmother to survive.
“Der Zor” is a gift to my grandmother Akabi Mooradian. . . It demonstrates my understanding of her pain and how by carrying that with me, it has become my own. . .

Greg Chopoorian- MC

Hagop B.Aprahamian- b. 1965 Worcester, Massachusetts

This show presents a unique opportunity for expression and viewing of the Armenian psyche, as it has been impacted by the Armenian genocide. The fact that the exhibit is in an academic setting and hopefully will be cause for discussion and learning is another reason. In order to truly move forward we must be able to look back and know what we are looking at. I am hoping this show will give us that opportunity.

Hrair B. Aprahamian- b. 1965 Worcester, Massachusetts

To express my personal view on a subject matter which has always been a point of deep sorrow and troubling conclusions, both in me and other members of my ethnic family. Recording the passing on of those tortured souls who survived under such horrific conditions is important.

Ian Mohon- b.1975 Providence, Rhode Island

I included my work in the Armenian genocide exhibit for its ability to give a voice to those lost and forgotten heroes who without their Sacrifice our world would not be as it is. Those people whose forgotten souls stand at the edge of our vision always ready to remind us of our past.

Julian Penrose- b.1961 Providence, Rhode Island

The piece I have created to honor the Armenian Genocide explores our relationship to family, home and culture. Our relationship and participation in family is the backbone to a full rounded life. The loss of family members, in any manner, alters our psyche.
The framework of wood, metal, ceramic and leather symbolizes Mother Earth, provider of material for use in home and culture. The face that emerges out of the woodwork is sad, tired, hard, bold, strong, and soft all at once. Its metal eye and its pursed lips bisected by its long, observant nose symbolize the crevasse and emptiness caused by the separation and division of family. Inside the face, tucked away in the cerebral recesses next to my lost father's image, I borrowed an image from Arshile Gorky in remembrance of the loss of family in Armenian culture.

Lara B.- b.1977 Oakland, California

Optimism is depicted amidst the surrounding darkness by the radiant portrait of an Armenian mother clenching her two young children. The fortitude of a mother’s love symbolizes the tenacity of the Armenian spirit in overcoming the horrific tragedies of a brutal past.

Jason Roberts.- b. 1968 Santa Fe, New Mexico

Genocide is a word spoken too often by the nightly news to the point that it has lost its true horror. Millions have been wiped from the world leaving behind what seems like littleimpression. Yet the true horror and effect of genocide is felt by all. It is important that as a collective we do not forget.

John Avakian- Sharon, Massachusetts

Early on, I was aware of my father’s painful silence and smoldering anger, and of my mother’s nightmares, but I entered my adult years blocking these memories.
Years later, I began researching old books and found countless photos testifying to the Genocide. I read books of authors writing about the genocide. The re-occurring theme was and is that the Turkish Government continues to deny the first genocide of the 20th century. Our government has avoided recognition because of threats from Turkey. Israel does not recognize the Armenian Genocide. This is unthinkable!
As a monoprint/monotype artist, I began to bring Genocide images into my images in the late 1990’s. My art has been a vehicle to support the recognition of the Armenian Genocide. It is the most compelling reason for me to seek venues for these powerful and heartfelt prints.

Judith Ferrara.- b. 1942-Worcester

This painting’s image and title are meant to provoke thoughts about genocide, in keeping with the theme of this exhibition. The single, agonized face represents the incalculable number of people who have died as a result of genocide, which must begin with one victim, in one place, during one moment.

Kevork Mourad-b. 1970 Tribeca, York, NY

Kevork Mourad is an artist of Armenian origin from Syria who has exhibited and performed widely and internationally. Early on, he developed a technique of spontaneous painting, in which he shares the stage with musicians. Collaborators have included Djivan Gasparyan, George Winston, Kinan Azmeh, Ken Ueno, Brooklyn Rider, Yo-Yo-Ma and the Silk Road Ensemble. Performed at the Brooklyn Lyceum, the Chelsea Museum of Art in NY, the Brooklyn Museum of Art, the Rhode Island School of Design, the Rubin Museum of NY, the Chicago Institute of Art, the Museum of Natural History through Carnegie Hall, and the Nara Museum in Japan, among others…

Lidya Tchakerian- b. 1959 Canyon Country, California

The Armenian Genocide that took place in 1915 is part of my history as an Armenian Artist and has a large impact on my art today. As a result, there is celebration of life, love, family, culture and unconditional love to Humanity in my Art. My works in this Exhibition are from the series “Celebration Of Unconditional Love”

Marsha Nouritza Odabashian -b. 1954 Dedham, Massachusetts

Why do I want to be represented in the exhibition, “The Armenian Genocide – 95 Years Later?” The genocidal experience is both universal and personal, resonating for all and yet with unique meaning for anyone touched by it. Here, I juxtapose images that scroll through Armenian history, encompassing our ancient and rich artistic past (“In The Shade of the Peacock”), the Genocide and Armenia’s relationship with other cultures (“The Bystanders”), and a mourning for what was lost but not forgotten (“Parables”). I hope to strike familiar and new chords with viewers who will see images that affirm and enhance their perceptions of a dynamic and complex cultural, spiritual and natural past -- lost in the corporeal realm yet shared in collective memory, evolving with time, longing for rebirth.

Nilton Cardenas- b. 1972 Cranston, Rhode Island

With brush in hand, I unite in this shout of celebration and the deep silence of a country that does not let us forget the bitter and painful pages of history. A nation that continues to grow with their traditions and culture, where the people inside and outside the country make their voices heard in the dawn of each day.

Norma Papazian Akkelian- B.1951

As a young idealist, I believed that if the Armenian Genocide occurred in modern times, the world would come to our aid. Unfortunately, this doesn't seem to be the case, because the first Genocide of the 20th century was not the last crime committed against humanity. Events such as the "Armenian Genocide- 95 years later, in Remembrance" help educate the public and raise awareness. After all, regardless of race, color or religion we share a common humanity.

Simon Samsonian- (b. 1915-d.2003)

Sirapi Heghinian Walzer- b. 1958 Lexington, Massachusetts

My artworks give insight into the personal experience of genocide while challenging indifference and maintaining memory. We seem to need symbolic expressions to help us understand, and deal with the complex nature of events so horrific that reason and emotion fail to grasp their magnitude, and yet to keep our humanity we need to understand them … where words and explanations fail, we look for images.

To me Art is a healing process; Art can address the gaps in healing and understanding that cannot be addressed otherwise. From Picasso’s ‘Guernica’, and Peter Eisenman’s recently opened Holocaust memorial in Berlin; art has proved a powerful medium for representing such atrocities and attempting to find healing after genocide.