The Impact of the Armenian Genocide on Contemporary Art at the Istanbul Biennial
Throughout history, the Armenian Genocide has left an indelible mark on arts and culture. The Istanbul Biennial showcases the profound effects of this tragedy through various artistic expressions.
Artistic Expressions of Trauma and Memory
Francis Alys mesmerizing film The Silence of Ani is just one of a stunning selection of works at the 2015 Istanbul Biennial art exhibition that confront the mass killings of 1915 that Armenians call the ‘Armenian Genocide’ — a name disputed by Turkey. Works by artists of Armenian descent and non-Armenian artists were supported by Armenia’s Dilijan Art Initiative.
Revitalizing Historical Narratives
The film is set in Ani, an ancient Armenian city that now lies in ruins. Francis Alÿs, The Silence of Ani (Ani’nin Sessizlii), 2015, video stillSounding bird whistles, a group of primary school children return life to the ruins. Francis Alÿs, The Silence of Ani (Ani’nin Sessizlii), 2015, video still
Contemporary Reflections on History
German artist Kristina Buch’s two-screen video installation Such Prophecies We Write on Banana Skins also drew inspiration from Ani. Kristina Buch, Such prophecies we write on banana skins (triangulation on criminal grace), 2015, Photo By Sahir Ugur ErenThe work presents two photorealistic images of explosions: one of a museum, the other of a mountain. The artist hoped to evoke “regeneration” after witnessing Ani’s ruins filled with butterflies and wildlife. Kristina Buch, Such prophecies we write on banana skins (triangulation on criminal grace), 2015, Photo By Sahir Ugur Eren
Cultural Significance of Artistic Works
Armenian-Lebanese artist Paul Guiragossian was born to survivors of the Armenian Genocide in 1925, and his work poignantly questions the essence of community. Paul Guiragossian, Maternite, 1975, Depart, 1957, Photo by Sahir Ugur ErenThrough a variation of pictorial stripes, Guiragossian creates images of “people advancing towards the viewer”. This technique forms an abstract “wall” of color that engages directly with the audience. Paul Guiragossian Composition, 1987, L’Armour, 1970, The Stages of Life, ca.1970, Photo by Sahir Ugur Eren
A Legacy of Humanity and Resilience
Sarkis (real name Sarkis Zabunyan) is one of Turkey’s most renowned contemporary artists. His work includes two shallow basins of water featuring a negative film of a photograph of protestors, symbolizing memories yet to be fully developed. Sarkis, 2 Water Tanks, 1968, Photo by Sahir Ugur ErenSculptor Sonia Balassanian founded the first contemporary art space in Armenia, fostering a platform for artistic expression and cultural dialogue. Sonia Balassanian, Heads, tufa stone, 16 February 2015, Photo by Sahir Ugur ErenAh Kee, an Aboriginal artist, investigates memories of past trauma through his work. Alongside his paintings, he presents a video depicting race riots in Australia, resonating with themes of historical struggle. Vernon Ah-Kee, Brutalities and Lynchings (Vahsetler v Linc Edilmeler), 2014-15, Photo by Sahir Ugur Eren
