‘Mirror’ Merges Photography and Music

GLENDALE, Calif.—Tufenkian Fine Art Gallery is pleased to present “Mirror,” an interactive exhibit and book that merges photography by artist Ara Oshagan and music by Gor Mkhitarian. Employing the latest interactive technology, a free mobile app enables the audience to hear Mkhitarian’s music on their phone while viewing Oshagan’s photographs. The collaboration of “Mirror” bridges the worlds of visual and sound art.

The collaboration of 'Mirror' bridges the worlds of visual and sound art. — The collaboration of ‘Mirror’ bridges the worlds of visual and sound art.

The “Mirror” exhibit and book release will be at Tufenkian Fine Art Gallery in Glendale’s warehouse district. The exhibit will also include an “immersive” installation in the gallery’s project room. The exhibit will run from Feb. 20 to March 12. The opening reception on Sat., Feb. 20, from 7-10 p.m., will feature an intimate concert by Mkhitarian and a book signing.

The music in “Mirror” is a selection of songs that Mkhitarian created over a 10-year period. During the same period, Oshagan photographed Mkhitarian and his band while they rehearsed, recorded, and performed this music. Mixing color and black/white photographs, single images, diptychs, and triptychs, Oshagan constructs a layered visual narrative not only of Mkhitarian and his band but also the spaces out of which they create music. “Mirror” couples the images of these temporary spaces with the music that was created from these very spaces.

The result is a new work of art—constructed from two distinct artistic media and united via the latest interactive technology. Simply put, the audience can download a free mobile app, load the “Mirror” “channel” that is part of the app, and when they point their phone towards Oshagan’s photographs on the gallery wall or in the book, they will hear Mkhitarian’s music and see his music videos. “Mirror” marries the two media and posits a new sensibility: that technology can expand the narrative horizons of personal artistic interaction. “Mirror” is published by Oshagan Editions.

One of the photographs appearing in 'Mirror' (Photo: Ara Oshagan) — One of the photographs appearing in ‘Mirror’ (Photo: Ara Oshagan)

“We are very excited to be showing an interactive and collaborative project like ‘Mirror,’” said gallery director and owner Caroline Tufenkian. “Work like this can open new doors of artistic exploration. Oshagan and Mkhitarian are using technology to bring the universes of visual and sound art closer together and we want our audience to engage in the possibilities they are presenting.”

On Sun., Feb. 21 at 6 p.m., Oshagan and Mkhitarian will be in an intimate conversation about “Mirror” and their collaboration at the Brand Library & Art Center in Glendale. Their conversation will include presentation of images by Oshagan and an acoustic set by Mkhitarian. Refreshments will be served.

On Thurs., March 3 at 7 p.m., Oshagan will talk about “Mirror” and the process of creating a technology-based project at Tufenkian Fine Art Gallery.

Ara Oshagan is a photographer and installation artist whose work revolves around the intersecting themes of identity, disrupted community, and memory. His first book, Father Land, was published by powerHouse books in New York in 2010. Oshagan has had solo exhibitions at the Los Angeles Municipal Art Gallery and the Downey Museum of Art and the Armory Center for the Arts. His work is in the permanent collection of the Southeast Museum of Photography, the Downey Museum of Art, the Armory Center for the Arts in Pasadena, and MOMA in Armenia.

Gor Mkhitarian’s music fuses traditional Armenian music with both rock and folk idioms. He launched his solo career in 2001 with his debut solo album “Yeraz” and has released six more albums since: “Godfather Tom” (2003), “Episode” (2004), self-titled “GOR” (2006), “Acoustic Folklore” (2007), “United Fantasies: Exit Ahead” (2008), and “Spirit” (2009). He has been nominated for 14 industry music awards, winning 4 major ones.

Dedicated to serving as a resource for buyers, collectors, and those moved by the artistic expression of modern and contemporary identity and experience, Tufenkian Fine Arts presents the works of well-known and rising international and local artists. Established by Caroline Lais-Tufenkian, a Swiss-Armenian art historian and patron of the arts, the gallery and website present exhibits and events featuring excellence in contemporary fine art.
Tufenkian Fine Art Gallery is located at 4220 San Fernando Rd. in Glendale. Hours are Wednesday to Friday, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., and by appointment.

For more information, visit www.tufenkianfineart.com. For more information about Oshagan, or to order the book, visit www.araoshagan.com. Brand Library & Art Center is located at 1601 W. Mountain St., Glendale, Calif. For more information, visit www.brandlibrary.org.