‘The Crossroads: Art of Gagik Aroutiunian’ at AMA

The Armenian Museum of America will be hosting the opening of a new exhibition, “The Crossroads: Art of Gagik Aroutiunian,” on Sept. 11. The opening of this exhibition, which will feature artwork from three of Aroutiunian’s series, will include a reception where light refreshments will be served. This event is free and open to the public.

Centering on artificially created environments, Aroutiunian’s work focuses on heightening the sense of detachment from the setting of an image. His sculptures hold a juxtaposition between this detachment and a representation of memory and its transience.

Aroutiunian states that the result of this juxtaposition is “a peculiar relationship between the figure and its environment, and the establishment of a new reality.”

The works in this exhibit are from three series: “Artsakh,” “House of Memories,” and “Traveler on His Road.”

Armenian-born, Aroutiunian grew up in the former Soviet Republic and holds a Bachelor’s Degree in painting from the University of Toronto, and a Master of Fine Arts in sculpture from Towson University. A naturalized Canadian citizen, he has lived and worked in Lithuania, Poland, Iceland and Canada.

For the last 20 years, Aroutiunian has resided in the United States and held solo exhibitions across New England, the United States and internationally. His work can be found in many private and museum collections in England, Germany, Poland, Canada and the U.S.

Aroutiunian currently resides in Chicago and splits his time between making art and teaching it as an associate professor at DePaul University’s Department of Art, Media and Design.

To learn more about Gagik Aroutiunian and his sculptures, visit www.gagikaroutiunian.com.

The opening event will take place on Sept. 11 at 2 p.m. in the Adele and Haig Der Manuelian Galleries on the third floor of the Museum.

The Armenian Museum of America, located in the heart of Watertown, Mass., has the distinct mission to collect and maintain Armenian artifacts, textiles and publications in order to preserve the Armenian heritage and serve as a national repository and information center on the Armenian people, history, and culture.