A Journey to Mt. Ararat through the lenses of

In the Shadow of the Sacred: A Journey to Mt. Ararat


The Center for Experimental Art and Architecture is pleased to announce an exhibition of an intimate and emotional journey, a climb to the peak of Mount Ararat, through the lenses of Levon Habeshian, and Dr. Haroutune and Sona Armenians. The journey also passes through the surrounding Armenian ancestral lands of Western Armenia and sojourns at historic landmarks in Kars, Ani, Van, and Aghtamar among others. The exhibition opening is on Friday, March 27, 7-10 pm.

According to the Old Testament (Genesis 8:4), Mt. Ararat, also often referred as the Holy Mountain, is considered to be the final resting place of Noah's Ark. It is also referred to in the King James Bible and The New King James Bible as Mountains of Armenia and Mountains of Ararat respectively. This volcanic mountain rises 5,165 meters (16,945 feet) above sea level and considered to be the largest single-mass or volume mountain in the world.



For the travelers, a climb to its peak is a physical challenge as well as a process to reclaim a spiritual symbol.

This journey also has another poignant significance. Since ancient times, Mt. Ararat has been at the center of the Armenian homeland and has been revered by Armenians as their spiritual anchor and a symbol of Armenia. Today, the lands on the western slopes of Mt. Ararat, once densely populated by Armenians, is void of any Armenian inhabitants, their ancient churches and monasteries laying in ruin. The travelers trace their own roots to these lands and their trek through Moush, Van, Kars, Ani, Ahgtamar and other ancient Armenian towns and villages, is at once a discovery of a homeland never seen and a reflection of an unfathomable loss.



"In the Shadow of the Sacred" is a journey of discovery and reclamation, a re-claiming of an Armenian spiritual symbol. It is also an elegy dedicated to the remnants of ancient architectural masterpieces and the Armenians who once lived in their midst.


Exhibition Opening Reception: Friday, March 27, 2009, 7-10 PM
Curatorial Presentation: 8:30 PM
Donation: $10 (proceeds benefit CEAA programs)
The exhibit will be on display from March 27 to April 12, 2009.
Center hours are by appointment only.

Center for Experimental Art and Architecture (CEAA)
3191 Casitas Ave, Suite 138
Los Angeles (Atwater), CA 90039

T 818 359 9125 E info@ceaagallery.com



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