Hai Saints I 2020-2021
Hai (Armenian) Saints are prolongations of two paintings made and auctioned as fund raising for Artsakh earlier in November 2020; after the 44 day destructive war that Armenia had with the Azeris, which resulted in many casualties and the occupation of many Armenian territories...
Armenians of the Diaspora watched the war closely, with all the social media channels available, the war was a reminiscence of the 1915 Armenian Genocide, witnessing it, and not reading in history books. Living in the Diaspora, does not make me less Armenian, because our identity and language endures beyond physical borders.
The Hai Saints are two female figures, from random online references, manifesting and depicting Armenian emblems and motifs; both have traditional headpieces; and one depicts my mother’s Armenian needlework “crochet” pattern. Both women have rebellious expression in their eyes and invincible spirit, mirroring my innermost feelings... and with halos symbolizing the female might and beauty…
Two of the saints were showcased in the virtual art platform at AUCART.com – a London based online auction house - “You Cannot Escape from Destiny” curated by Lizzy Vartanian Collier in April 2021.
"Hai Saint I" 80x110cm Oil on Canvas 2020
"Hai Saint II" 80x110cm Oil on Canvas 2020
Staged setup - with no ownership of the interior space "Hai Saint II" 80x110cm Oil on Canvas 2020
Haygagan Braids
Portraying Armenian ladies’ braids with traditional Armenian festive headwear. Two paintings made with love for a cause that is very dear to my heart and conscience… The background has a play of my mother’s needlework depicting Armenian needlework pattern.
Both paintings were Auctioned to support Humanitarian and Development programs and support Armenia during the Artsakh war.
Bid CLOSED $ 1738.55
The total sum was donated to the Armenian Relief Society in December 2020
63x85cm Oil on Canvas 2020
63x85cm Oil on Canvas 2020