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On October 27, the Scientific Library of Armenian State Pedagogical University hosted painter Artour Oshakantsi (Sargsyan), a graduate of the same university.
During 95 years, ASPU has had more than one hundred thousand graduates. Most of them have had their unique role in the development of our country’s educational, scientific, cultural and other spheres. The University has been proud and is still proud of those graduates,” Tigran Petrosyants, Director of the ASPU Scientific Library, said thanking the guest for presenting Armenian art in the United States of America at the highest possible level.
The matinee dedicated to the painter was attended by students, artists, art critics and art lovers.
“For me, Artour Oshakantsi is Armenia, one of the worthy sons of the Armenian nation. He wakes up and lives with his country and he is connected with his homeland and its miniature painting with numerous fibers,” said art critic Martin Mikayelyan. He called on future painters to unite around the artist as he first of all needs to be appreciated in his homeland.
Ara Hakobyan, Dean of the Faculty of Art Education, emphasized the guest’s visit to the University and assured the students that the main precondition for achieving such a height [in career] is diligence.
“The meeting with the painter, who uses shades and colours corresponding to the season, was organized in gilded autumn,” Mr. Hakobyan said. He has been studying the art of Diaspora Armenians for 20 years and has always asked himself whether an artist who received education and care in his homeland but worked outside his homeland can be considered an Armenian artist. “Today I have the answer to the question. If an artist is sincere and we see national characteristic his paintings, he is an Armenian artist.”
Doctor of Philology Henrik Bakhshinyan also spoke about the painter and his activity, saying that Artour Oshakantsi has added an unmatched glaze to the Armenian painting, and opened a new page in the Armenian fine arts with his original perception of colours. “He is a national artist, who combines art and human values in himself.”
Architect Levon Igityan also spoke about the current issues of Armenian culture and appreciation of artists. He says when speaking about Armenian culture one should remember that it is impossible to speak about Armenian gene with methods: science must simply admit the existence of Armenian Highland.
“Artour Oshakantsi creates without screaming or crying, he is an artist who has entered into dialogue with the world on behalf of us,” Mr. Igityan said. He expressed hope that the artist will soon have his paintings exhibited in Armenia as well.
Artour Oshakantsi said he was leaving his homeland filled with pride, satisfaction and happiness. “27 years later, I'm back home. I have many awards and assessments outside of my homeland, but only now I understood that I received the highest assessment here,” the painter said thanking everyone for the warm welcome at the University.
Tigran Petrosyants gave Artour Oshakantsi a number of presents, including books and a honorary reader’s ticket.
