AUA’s Akian Art Gallery Features Paintings by Haroutune Armenian

YEREVAN—The Akian Art Gallery at the American University of Armenia (AUA) is currently showcasing a new art exhibition titled, “Colors from Armenia and Beyond,” by Dr. Haroutune Armenian.

Haroutune Armenian is president emeritus of the American University of Armenia, where he served as president for 14 years. He is professor emeritus of epidemiology at Johns Hopkins University and professor in residence at the University of California, Los Angeles. He has also served as dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences at the American University of Beirut.

Armenian began watercolor painting in Beirut, Lebanon, in 1976, during a time when the country was facing an increasingly violent civil war. With his paintings, he aimed to capture what few scenes of peace and beauty were left in his homeland. He has stated that “The most fulfilling and peaceful was the time of expression through colors and images.”

He continued to carry his box of watercolors with him through the years, capturing quiet moments and scenes of nature in the United States, where he has lived since 1986, as well as depictions of his travels to countries such as Armenia, Japan, Kuwait, Ukraine, and Peru.

The paintings are a reflection of the artist’s mood, feelings, and emotions, if only for a brief moment. They are recreations of what once existed—a snapshot in time. “In most situations, I paint what I see in colors and forms. I put those together and then it’s that instant that makes the decision. It’s not something I plan and sit down and then decide, ‘This is what I’m going to do.’ It’s an instant of creativity. It’s the place, it’s yourself, it’s the mood—everything has to work within that hour or two. If it does, if you’re lucky enough to get the whole thing put together, then you’re successful,” he explained.

Haroutune Armenian’s artwork has been published in three books: Colors and Words: From Armenia and Beyond (2002), Past Does Not Yet Melt Here (2007), and most recently, Life with Watercolors, which was published in 2014.

Armenian’s exhibit at AUA seeks to showcase his unique perspective and tell the story of his many journeys. “In all of these paintings we glimpse the world through their creator’s eyes, but most of all we witness the serene wonder of his own interior landscape,” said Dr. Ann Van Dijk of the Northern Illinois University School of Art.

Proceeds from the sale of artwork will be donated to the AUA, namely to benefit the graduate students of the AUA School of Public Health. The exhibition will remain open until Nov. 7, 2014.

AUA’s Akian Art Gallery serves as a venue for artists who wish to show their artwork to the general public. For more information on the Akian Art Gallery, visit www.akiangallery.aua.am.