Hoki

(The armenian word for soul)

In 2020, I embarked on a profound artistic project, inspired by the harrowing events unfolding in Artsakh and the enduring spirit of the Armenian people. This series stands as a heartfelt tribute to my heritage, serving as a testament to the indomitable Armenian soul despite enduring immense loss. It encapsulates the essence of being Armenian.

Each of these paintings meticulously depicts a distinct Armenian monastery or heritage site, breathing life into our rich history. They are not merely individual artworks but families united by a shared purpose. Much like a triptych, quadriptych, or polyptych, they are cohesive sets creating a singular masterpiece, yet they also possess the strength to stand alone, mirroring the individuality within a family.

These pieces powerfully convey the Armenian experience, both in the homeland and the diaspora. They evoke the poignant narrative of families torn apart, scattered worldwide by the Armenian Genocide. Despite the physical separation, these families cling to their core identity: their heritage, traditions, history, culture, and art.

Symbolically, these artworks represent the displacement endured by any people who have suffered genocide or diaspora. As I separate the canvases, I sense the paint binding them together, reminiscent of the unbreakable bonds of family. This act mirrors the heart-wrenching experiences of my great-grandparents and countless others, forcibly separated from loved ones, forced to forget their roots and rewrite their history—a painful narrative we must never forget.

Just as the Armenian people found themselves scattered across the globe, these pieces may also journey to diverse locations. Yet, they remain connected to their origin, the original painting, like a family with branches in various places. Each piece forms a family, with multiple parts that can either remain together or disperse.

Where will these pieces ultimately find their homes? Will they ever reunite, akin to the Armenian people's yearning for unity? Like the resilient Armenian spirit, we hold onto hope, knowing that even when separated, our essence remains whole, awaiting the day we reunite once more

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