The Shackles of Armenian Art

[Siamanto]

I have a feeling that it is not the Armenian community's goal to get there women internationally recognized but I could be wrong.

I wouldn't be so sure! Isn't it true that only recently Miss Armenia has been classified second in a beauty contest in Germany??? and among the first five??? in another one in China?

On a more serious note, are you suggesting that because Armenians are consciously struggling for the international and political recognition of the Armenian Genocide; Armenian artists should refrain from "commenting" on the Armenian Genocide? If I understand you correctly, would it be for ethical reasons? If yes, would you please explain why it would be more ethical? Thanks!

[Stark Evade]

I wouldn't be so sure! Isn't it true that only recently Miss Armenia has been classified second in a beauty contest in Germany??? and among the first five??? in another one in China?

On a more serious note, are you suggesting that because Armenians are consciously struggling for the international and political recognition of the Armenian Genocide; Armenian artists should refrain from "commenting" on the Armenian Genocide? If I understand you correctly, would it be for ethical reasons? If yes, would you please explain why it would be more ethical? Thanks!

It is not for ethical reasons. I cannot even imagine how it could be. I stated my reason pretty clearly in my original post. I think that, with art, in order for us, as a community, to gain a respectable standing we need to avoid alienating people and, in terms of respect and recognition in general, we must avoid giving people cause to believe that the AG is the largest aspect of our identity. We do not possess the influence of the curly templed ones and as much as we would like that, people need to realize that the curly templed ones did not gain their influence by over-marketing their genocide but had the luxury of over-marketting it because of the influence they already had.

[thedebutante]

i agree

[Anonymouse]

Haha "the curly templed ones".

[KotayKoskesh]

people paint about emotions they feel ...I dont think ANY Armenian artist feel forced to represent the genocide... I think its nice that people paint whatever they want and not have pople criticize them... if id be a painter Im pretty sure at a certain point in my life I would feel like painting something about the genocide.. I dont see why any Armenian should have a problem with artists painting about the genocide... I for one have a problem with people talking about it all the time but this is not the same at all

[Stark Evade]

people paint about emotions they feel ...

Not necessarily.

I dont think ANY Armenian artist feel forced to represent the genocide...

I didn't mean it to sound as though they are conciously aware of a pressure or that any individual or group of people consciously cause that pressure.

I think its nice that people paint whatever they want and not have pople criticize them...

If you make it a habit of showing people your work of display it publically yoiu should be prepared for criticism. But, yes, people should be able to paint what they want. I am not one to take away freedom of choice but that doesn't mean I have to agree with the choices. They are choices afterall.

if id be a painter Im pretty sure at a certain point in my life I would feel like painting something about the genocide.. I dont see why any Armenian should have a problem with artists painting about the genocide... I for one have a problem with people talking about it all the time but this is not the same at all

I have an issue with both.