Exhibition dedicated to the International Days of Francophonie
The International Days of Francophonie celebrated annually on March 20 and dedicated to the French language and culture, brings together participants around one and common values, like solidarity, democracy, peace, the supremacy of human rights, and respect for cultural diversity.
One of the events organised within the frames of Francophonie in Yerevan was the joint exhibition of students of the State Academy of Fine Arts of Armenia and the French University in Armenia held in the Modern Art Museum with the support of the French Embassy in Armenia and of course the museum.
The exhibition entitled “Solidarity and Diversity” presented 46 works of 31 students: In addition to Armenian students, there were also those from China, Georgia and Russia. Young artists with different cultures were united around one universal idea and values of peace and solidarity.
In her opening speech, the Head of International Relations of SAFAA Meri Patvakanyan greeted the guests and introduced the work done stating the following, “We have gathered here to celebrate the days of French language and Francophonie. On this occasion, three institutions united around the same value; peace, solidarity, love and hope. These are the values that inspired the title of the exhibition. These days the celebration of those values has become a necessity and the students demonstrated their attitude to those values through their works.”
The guests and participants were also greeted by the Ambassador of France to Armenia, Anne Louyot later the floor was given to the Director of Modern Arts Museum Noune Avetisyan. In her speech, the latter introduced the album of the Museum collection that was printed in French first time in its lifetime and gifted the albums to the guests.
The atmosphere of the event was livened up by the students of French University in Armenia who performed famous French songs.
The exhibition was also a competition based and the jury which consists of the following members; Ambassador of France to Armenia, Anne Louyot, Rector of French University in Armenia Salwa Nacouzi, Head of Painting and Drawing Chair Aram Isabekyan and the director of Modern Art Museum were given the opportunity to walk around the hall and evaluate the works on the spot. The first three places that won prizes were respectively given to Mariam Sargsyan, Arusyak Minasyan and Erik Hambardzumyan. All the other participants were handed certificates of participation by the Ambassador.
Melanya Badalyan
Translated by Naira Stepanyan
