Good as gold
Artist Arpine Shakhbandaryan with her work in progress "Map of Armenia." She uses traditional materials of wood, gesso, 24k gold leaf and oil paint in her works.
Artist pays homage to Armenia with maps in 24-karat gold leaf in show.
By Joyce Rudolph
Published: Last Updated Friday, January 9, 2009 10:12 PM PST
Artist Arpine Shakhbandaryan pays homage to her homeland of Armenia in a new exhibition opening today at the Brand Library Art Galleries in Glendale.
One of the Glendale residents 11 pieces in the show is a map-based image of Eurasia, and shes painted the pattern of the progression of the Armenian Genocide in 24-karat gold leaf.
I used gold leaf as the color choice because it is a color, after all, but a tangible material as well, she said. This exhibition is about the natural world. The artists works incorporate the geography of the world and boundaries imposed upon it. My work is literally what that description says this piece is of the Earth and the country boundaries.
The six artists portray nature in their own way and in their chosen media, said Cathy Billings, art librarian and gallery manager for the Brand Library & Art Center.
Other artists in the show are Erika Lizee, Joe Merrell, Charla Puryear, Andrea Raft and Jill Sykes.
It is an exciting opportunity for gallery visitors to see brand-new work that covers such a wide array of styles, including oil and acrylic painting, collage, graphite drawings and video, Billings said.
The interesting thing about the show is that each of the artists work on nature is different, Shakhbandaryan said.
Our work is cohesive in the theme but not the technique, she said. You can observe nature depicted by six artists in six different ways because each artist sees nature differently.
Shakhbandaryans artwork reflects her Armenian heritage but speaks to fundamental values shared by all people, Billings added.
The Maps Series, which will be on display, depicts geopolitical landscapes and are an interesting contrast to the other artists, whose depictions of nature are more direct, she said. Arpinés interest in biological sciences and public health are also evident in her work.
Shakhbandaryan has been painting since 1998, beginning her art training at the Atanian Art Center in Glendale.
After graduating from Glendale High School in 2000, she earned a degree in biology with a minor in fine arts at USC.
She has exhibited her work professionally since 2005. Her shows have been at college campuses UCLA, USC, Glendale Community College and churches, including the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church of North America in Burbank.
Shakhbandaryan has been in several charity projects at the Western Diocese, Youth Director Father Avedis Abovian said. She and several other artists organized an exhibition at the Diocesan headquarters to raise funds for one of those projects.
When he looks at her work, Abovian said he feels the spirit of their ancestors pouring from her paintings.
It reveals not just the enriching artistic tradition of thousands of years, but also their passion to make this world the true reflection of Gods kingdom, he said. She is a praiseworthy follower of a long tradition, who is always looking for something new to take it a step forward.
Of her 11 pieces in the show, Shakhbandaryan said, six are maps painted in gold paint and oils, and the others are done in acrylic and gold leaf. Five of those are interactive pieces she calls puzzle pieces. In them, she explores the construction of the mind, body and spirit.
They are abstract paintings, she said. You cant tell what the image is. The forms on the painting arent a recognizable image, but its on wood and made from eight pieces that interlock, and the viewer is able to move the pieces and construct the final image.
The artists donate a portion of the proceeds from the sale of the artwork to the Associates of Brand Library, said Arlene Vidor, a member of the board of directors.
The nonprofit group raises money to support a variety of arts and culture events, which also include dance and musical events that are offered to the public free.
We are thrilled that such a diverse array of emerging and prominent artists are able to exhibit and, hopefully, sell their works at Brand Gallery, Vidor said.
Artists seem to always love being at Brand. Also, a portion of the proceeds of their art sales go to the associates to help fund future arts events.
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