As part of the International Museum day on the 17^th of May, the Armenian Communities Department, in collaboration with CAM, co-organized a special programe of music and storytelling to introduce the Armenian-American artist, Arshile Gorky.

In the morning, a lecture entitled, “Arshile Gorky an Armenian in New York” (Arshile Gorky um Arménio em Nova Iorque) was given by Ana Vasconcelos, one of the curators of the Arshile Gorky exhibition currently displayed at CAM (5 June 14 to 31 May 2015).  Ana Vasconcelos recounted Gorky’s life starting with his early years on the shore of Lake Van, how he endured the Armenian Genocide, his voyage to America, his development as an artist, the struggle with his past, and finally his tragic demise.  Several of Gorky’s most prominent pieces were analyzed to demonstrate how his Armenian upbringing was portrayed in his art pieces. The lecture allowed the audience to experience the evolution of his work and to understand how he contributed to the North-American Modernism, as well as 20th Century Western Art.

During the afternoon, at the CAM gallery and set against the background of actual Gorky paintings, the performance “Tonight at Lake Van” (Logo à Noite no Lago Van) was sold out. The audience gathered to watch Miguel Horta transform into Gorky and to hear the talented Dellalian Trio, composed by musicians Nariné Dellalian (violin). Levon Mouradian (cello) and Marina Dellalyan (piano), with the special participation of Anna Mouradian (cello and piano).  The combination of storytelling and music introduced Gorky to the audience through words and through emotions, allowing them to experience Gorky’s universe in a unique way. During the performance, among several other exquisite compositions, the Dellalian Trio premiered an exclusive piece which was created and dedicated to this performance entitled, The Descent of the Dove by Ivan Moody. The audience was captivated by storytelling and the music, which were intertwined masterfully.

Both events will be held again on the 31 of May to signal the closing of the exhibition Arshile Gorky and the Collection.  

The performance will subsequently be available on-line.