Stephanie’s Gallery to host artist Ashot Harutyunyan’s exhibit

PanARMENIAN.Net - Stephanie’s Gallery is presenting the artwork of Armenian artist Ashot Harutyunyan in a benefit exhibition in cooperation with the Ani & Narod Memorial Fund (ANMF), Asbarez reports.

Harutyunyan’s oil painting collection entitled ARENI will be displayed for the first time in the U.S. from Dec 12 to 14, 2013.

The opening reception will feature curatorial comments to the public by the exhibit curator, and Sotheby’s Institute of Art graduate, Ms Tamar Sinanian Naaman known for her passion towards emerging Armenian artists.

Ms. Sinanian Naaman, commented on the artist’s work by saying that “Ashot’s paintings are a breath of fresh air reflecting the simple emotions of life. Their purity and soothing colors bring brightness and sincerity to the human heart”.

The exhibit will showcase about 20 recent paintings of the featured artist. The paintings, mostly large oil on canvas original pieces reflect the artist’s sensory response towards his birthplace, the village of Odzun. The ARENI exhibition catalogue designed by artist Harry Vorperian will be available in a limited edition to patrons of the exhibit. It will feature the collection’s vibrant pictures by art photographer Sossi Madzounian and comments by various critics. In it, Art critic Ara Haytayan states that Harutyunyan “manages to dispatch the multiform signs of life and make them resound on the surface of the canvas in such a way that the final outcome in art clearly speaks out from the original vision created by the artist”, and praises “the pure, spectral color scale and the light wandering over the surface of the canvas”.

The artwork, on display at the Gallery is being sold, with proceeds going to local and international organizations assisting Syrian Armenian refugees. In addition to leaving their homes and societies behind, Syrian refugees face enormous difficulties once they find refuge in host countries. “In this first of its kind event for this cause, the exhibit celebrates the work of a talented artist, but it is also about having a purpose and hopefully spreading the word that more money is needed for the agencies who are struggling to help Syrian refugees,” said Raffy Ardhaldjian, Chief Volunteer Officer of ANMF.

The Ani & Narod Memorial Fund was established in 1994 and is a non-profit, tax-exempt U.S. organization encouraging the welfare and development of Armenian women and children through innovative cultural, educational, health and social programs. Its mission has been aiding and improving social needs in Armenia, and Armenian communities around the world.

Stephanie’s Art Gallery was established in the year 2000 and features artwork from European and American classic artists.