Haigazian University 60th Anniversary Art Exhibit

“East to Western, Modern to Postmodern” Art Exhibition by “Bardzr Arvest” Fine Art Center – Yerevan

BEIRUT — On the occasion of its 60th Anniversary, under the high patronage of the Armenian Embassy in Lebanon, and in collaboration with the Makhzoumi Foundation, Haigazian University proudly presented the “Bardzr Arvest” Fine Art Center from Yerevan, Armenia in an exhibition entitled “East to West, Modern to Postmodern”, on Thursday, March 19, 2015, at the Haigazian University Art Center, the Matossian Gallery.

The capacity audience included the Armenian Ambassador to Lebanon, H.E. Mr. Ashot Kocharian, founder of the Makhzoumi Foundation, Mr. Fouad Makhzoumi, representative of the Commander of the Army Gen. Jean Kahwaji, the President of the Union of the Armenian Evangelical Churches in the Near East, Rev. Mgrdich Karageuzian, Archbishop Kegham Khatcherian, government officials, religious leaders, political party representatives, Lebanese and Armenian community leaders, media and a big crowd of art lovers.

The event started with a warm welcome by University President, Rev. Dr. Paul Haidostian, who thanked the contributors of this event; Bardzr Arvest Fine Art Center of Yerevan for graciously showcasing their rich collection, the Armenian Embassy for its patronage, and Haigazian’s cooperation with the Makhzoumi Foundation and the personal presence of Mr. Fouad Makhzoumi. Striking on the note of quality at Haigazian’s 60th Anniversary, Haidostian said, “with Lebanon known for its high appreciation for beauty; and with Armenia generously endowed with cultural creativity, no wonder that as HU hosts the best of Armenian art and presents it to the Lebanese community.” Instilling a sense of hope, Haidostian continued by saying, “the more we focus on the ugliness that surrounds us, the more we give in and despair; and the more we pay attention to genuine beauty, the higher our spirits go.”

In his congratulatory remarks, Ambassador Kocharian, stressed on the rich historic and cultural heritage of the Armenian nation, sharing his pride of the “Armenian vibrant community of Lebanon who survived genocide, and very soon created a lively and dynamic community with its diverse infrastructures, and preserved its Armenian language.” After praising the invaluable efforts of the leadership of the University in making this event a real success, Kocharian acknowledged the vital role of Haigazian University in promoting dialogue, harmony, professionalism, interconnectedness of people, as well as a refined taste.

Mr. Fouad Makhzoumi, started his speech by congratulating Haigazian University for its 60th Anniversary, and considered its student body the 21st century generation of Lebanon. Putting a high hope on this new generation, Makhzoumi stressed on the pivotal role the civil society, educational institutions, and business leaders should play in widening the scope of opportunities of the youth, through investments and global economic experiences. He then emphasized on the efforts the Makhzoumi Foundation invests in the educational field, which eventually yields to openness, confidence, respect, dialogue and coexistence among Lebanese.

The Director of the Modern Art Museum of Armenia, who was there to represent the” Bardzr Arvest” Fine Art Center, briefed on the most valuable pieces of the exhibition. She also pointed out that that the Center was nominated as the Best Gallery of Art Monaco 2014.

This year, Haigazian University celebrates the 60 years of its foundation, adopting the slogan of “Pride in Merit”. Within the series of anticipated events for this year, Haigazian University, through this high caliber exhibition, highlights the Armenian art and culture that has always been a vital aspect of this university’s existence. The University collaborated with the “Bardzr Arvest” Fine Art Center from Yerevan, Armenia, to showcase one of the largest group exhibitions of Armenian artists ever to be shown in Lebanon. The exhibition embraces a variety of artists, styles, and time periods.

On the occasion of the 100th Anniversary for the Armenian genocide, the “Bardzr Arvest” Fine Art Center is touring the world to show some of the best artwork that Armenia has to offer. The tour is starting in Lebanon, due to the importance of the Armenian Diaspora in Beirut and the unique occasion of Haigazian’s 60th Anniversary. The exhibition includes 64 artworks of Armenian and Diaspora Armenian artists, covering a period of 3 centuries, from the 19th till the 21st century. Some of the highlights of this exhibition are the “Yellow Mask” painting by the French-Armenian artist Leon Tutundjian, which is a masterpiece of the early surrealist period. In addition to it, a “Still Life” by Jean Jansem and “Versailles Park” by Jean Carzou are going to be shown for the first time. One more pride is the “First Sin”, a painting in space” by Ervand Kochar, which has won the 1st prize in the 2012 Art Monaco Fair. The exhibition will also feature works of world renowned Armenian artists such as Arshile Gorky, Sarkis Diranian, Vardges Sureniants, Vahram Gayfejian, Arsen Shabanian, Edgar Chahine, Robert Elibekian, and many more.

“East to West, Modern to Postmodern” is in course until Wednesday, March 25 2015, from 10:00 A.M. to 7:00 P.M., excluding Sundays.