Valentin Podpomogov's works are on display at the Cafesjian Center


Dreams of Life and Death
The exhibition titled “Valentin Podpomogov: “Dreams of Life and Death”” has opened at the Cafesjian Center for the Arts. The works of the famous Armenian painter, master of cinema, animation, design, and Honored Artist of the Armenian SSR Valentin Podpomogov are presented. The exhibition is dedicated to the artist’s 100th anniversary. Some of the works are being exhibited for the first time. The artist’s widow, Asya Podpomogov, and the Director of Exhibitions at the Cafesjian Center for the Arts, Armen Yesayants, spoke about the life, legacy, and creative path of Valentin Podpomogov at “Artfocus.”

The literary legacy of Khrimyan Hayrik


Khrimyan Hayrik's activities as a clergyman and as Catholicos of All Armenians have been highly appreciated and revered by his contemporaries and future generations. One of the most important aspects of this activity is Khrimyan Hayrik's literary legacy, which is discussed in the "Parallel Readings" program by literary critics Hayk Hambardzumyan and Arkmenik Nikoghosyan.

Armen Miskaryan after the 44-day war


Armen Miskaryan participated in the 44-day war with his older brother as a contract soldier. He was seriously wounded in the jaw by an anti-aircraft gun in Karvachar and was transferred to Yerevan. Only in the hospital, after regaining consciousness after complex surgeries, did he learn that his brother had died. Even after four surgeries, doctors were unable to save his eye. The care of his two and his brother's five young children falls mainly on his shoulders. Armen has also taken in his widowed sister's family, who also has two children.

Art critic Ivet Tajaryan talks about Markos Grigoryan


Painter, collector, gallerist, curator, actor, founder of the earth art movement Markos Grigoryan donated to Armenia about 2000 samples of Armenian, Iranian and European applied art, which have a history of 6 thousand years. He proposed by his example to develop Armenian carpet weaving in new directions. In "Artfocus" Anahit Margaryan and Candidate of Art History, Head of the Mashtots Matenadaran Museum Ivet Tajaryan discussed Markos Grigoryan's activities.

The Feast of the Resurrection was celebrated in the Mother Cathedral for the first time after the reconsecration


The liturgy was presided over by His Holiness Karekin II, Catholicos of All Armenians. The candlelight service in the Mother Cathedral was performed by Archbishop Arshak Khachatryan, the Chancellor of the Mother See. The feast of the Holy Resurrection began with the candlelight service. With the blessings of the Catholicos of All Armenians, light was distributed to those present from a candle burning in the sanctuary in the Mother Cathedral.

Letter to the Savior


Movses Khorenatsi in his work "History of the Armenians" presents the correspondence between King Abgar of Edessa and Jesus Christ. This remarkable motif is also known from other Armenian and foreign sources and finds its new expression in Armenian literature of the later period. In the program "Parallel Readings", literary scholars Hayk Hambardzumyan and Arkmenik Nikoghosyan discuss the topic of the correspondence between the king and the Savior.

"...and it's snowing outside!"


Three completely different characters, three different personalities tell their unfortunate biography from the stage, seasoning it with humor, jokes, and funny dialogues. However, the ending is tragic. The play "...and it's snowing outside" by the famous Italian playwright, screenwriter, actor, and director Vincenzo Saleme was staged at the Sos Sargsyan National Theater by director, actor David Hakobyan. In "Artfocus" Anahit Margaryan hosted two of the three main actors of the play: Varsham Gevorgyan and Stepan Ghambaryan.

Loyalty: Bishop Gevorg Saroyan comments


What guidance does the Gospel give about faithfulness? Is faithfulness a choice? Who is a faithful person? What are the limits of faithfulness? Bishop Gevorg Saroyan speaks on this.

Activities of the Stepanakert Russian Drama Theater in Yerevan


Shogher Sargsyan, Harutyun Andreasyan
The Stepanakert Russian Drama Theater is the only theater in Artsakh that continues to operate in Yerevan. The theater does not have its own hall and rehearsal rooms, but it continues to stage performances, experiment with new formats, participate in festivals, and even receive awards. Actors Shogher Sargsyan and Harutyun Andreasyan spoke in “Artfocus” about the activities of the Stepanakert Russian Drama Theater, the difficulties and victories of building a new life and establishing a new home in Yerevan.

I'll see Ani and then die, part 2


How does the perception of Ani change over time: from a world-famous city to a sinful and cursed city? How is the city of Ani perceived in modern times: as a symbol of past glories or of statehood in general? The “Ani” originals of Armenian literature were discussed in the “Parallel Readings” program by literary critics Hayk Hambardzumyan and Arkmenik Nikoghosyan.

The power of law and the world of the strong


Who can be the guarantor of the rights of the Armenians of Artsakh today, how is it possible to realize their right to collective return? Anna Sargsyan spoke with Avetik Harutyunyan, a lawyer and translator of V. Nersesyants' fundamental work "Philosophy of Law."

Samvel Ghazaryan: The Path of Creation


Exhibition dedicated to the 75th anniversary of the birth of Samvel Ghazaryan
The art of sculptor Samvel Ghazaryan is distinguished by its broad genre and thematic coverage, deep content and figurative diversity. His works combine lyricism and mysticism. Ghazaryan's works are among the most important achievements of Armenian sculpture, which combine traditional heritage, unique stylistic approaches and universal ideas. These days, the National Gallery of Armenia is hosting the exhibition "Samvel Ghazaryan. The Path of Creation", dedicated to the 75th anniversary of the artist's birth. Art critic Anahit Margaryan spoke with the curator of the exhibition, art critic, head of the sculpture department of the National Gallery of Armenia, Mariam Davtyan, at "Artfocus".