May 21, 2009 - 02:29 AMT
Live auction featuring artworks focused on genocide to be held in Toronto
International Institute for Genocide and Human Rights Studies (A Division of the Zoryan Institute) organizes an exclusive live auction featuring the works of Armenian and non-Armenian artists. As PanARMENIAN.Net came to know from ANCC, the works focus on the issues of genocide, mass human rights violations and memory.

This event is hosted by the International Institute for Genocide and Human Rights Studies (IIGHRS), which has always aimed to be innovative in its approach to genocide studies through its multi-disciplinary and comparative perspectives. In keeping with this tradition, the IIGHRS is hosting this event and a coinciding exhibit to explore genocide education through the arts in order to raise awareness and to highlight the universal humanity of the experience.

The event "Remains to be seen" involves an open-call multi-media art exhibit of emerging and established North American artists, inviting them to convey their thoughts, experiences, and perceptions of events surrounding genocide, its consequences and the healing process. The exhibit will be held at the Lennox Contemporary Gallery in Toronto from May 28th to June 7th. Rhonda Corvese, the award-winning Toronto-based independent curator, will curate the exhibit.

The aim of the auction is to help raise funds to support the Institute's annual Genocide and Human Rights University Program which is often described by students as a life-changing experience. One recent student stated, "The mixture of perspectives and cultures that make up the student body of this course allow the classroom to be filled with inspiring discussion. Participating in this course has solidified in my mind the importance of committing my future to the intervention in, and the eventual prevention of genocides globally."

The exclusive live auction features works by Vahe Berberian, Hagop Khoubesserian, Sara Anjargolian, Anita Toutikian, Sue Goldstein, Jennifer Roberts, Bill Wolff and Sherri Hay. The 12 works to be auctioned will be displayed with the exhibit for the duration of the event.

Proceeds of the auction will go to the artists, with a portion going to help support the Institute's mission. We assembled a committee of leaders in the arts community to advise and oversee the auction. Atom Egoyan, Arsinee Khanjian, Marcy Gerstein and Seza Nazarian have proven to be invaluable volunteers on this committee. The Committee has selected works in a range of mediums and values from $100 to $3500, ensuring a wide appeal of interest and support for the event.