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The Artists' Union of Armenia will host an exhibition of artist Narek Avetisyan’s works from October 30 to November 20. The exhibition "Multiverse" features his artworks from 1991 to 2022.

Panorama.am talked to Narek Avetisyan about the title of his exhibition, the selection of the works and the possibility of rediscovering the artist.   

Panorama.am: Let us start with the title of the exhibition "Multiverse". What is the multiverse about?

Narek Avetisyan: My creative path was shaped during complex historical events in contemporary art: the collapse of the Soviet Union, the Artsakh war. When I was a student the country was falling apart, information about new art forms started to flow more freely, values were changing. My initial works influenced by my aspirations not to compromise and to strive for something new will be on display. I think I have picked the most important artworks.

The Multiverse is a hypothetical collection of all possible parallel universes in real life. Ideas about the structure of the multiverse, the nature of each universe and the relationships between those universes depend on the chosen hypothesis.

Perhaps the artist’s creative path is just one version of many other options, which all could exist. There is another hypothesis when your hypothesis is realized in parallel in several dimensions or layers.

Each version has emerged as a result of the events that have taken place in my life. Consciously or unconsciously, we are the creators of the image of our time and the objectifiers of invisible ideas.

The periods presented in the exhibition are connected with the major changes that took place in our country and around the world. I, as a human being and an artist, having experienced it all, created abstract artworks, consciously or unconsciously.

People who are not familiar with my art may be a little bit surprised to see strong differences in the works of different periods, but after seeing the full picture, they will realize that the essence is the same, just that human experiences and mindset have changed.

On the third floor, a synthesis of painting and digital art, which I consider a big achievement, will be on display. The exhibition is quite extensive.

Panorama.am: Are all the works featured at the exhibition from your collection?

Narek Avetisyan: There are also works from private collections loaned for the exhibition.

Panorama.am: Is it your initiative to hold such an exhibition?

Narek Avetisyan: Those artists who want to hold a solo exhibition at the Artists’ Union have to register in advance. It was my idea and I applied for it two years ago.

Panorama.am: The tragic events of the last two years, Armenia’s defeat in the war, must have influenced your art. How has it affected your choice of colors and themes?

Narek Avetisyan: There are no themes as such in my art. I worked hard during the war, I don't know why, it's probably one of the ways of self-expression. As you said, something changes in you, you probably become more dramatic and strained. It's already a visual challenge, each person will perceive it differently.

Panorama.am: Will the visitors of the “Multiverse” reveal your art anew?

Narek Avetisyan: Absolutely. Many have not seen the works from these periods, or have seen some of them. The exhibition displays works from my 31-year journey, which is new to many people.

Panorama.am: Are there any exhibitions or events dedicated to your talented father Minas Avetisyan planned in the near future?

Narek Avetisyan: No, not in the near future. 2028 will mark my father’s 100th birth anniversary. Our family has rather big plans over both the printing and exhibition. Exhibitions of such classics should be planned several years in advance.

Panorama.am: Thank you.