Spotlight: Vartan Avakian

Spotlight: Vartan Avakian

Film Screening and Artist Talk

Vartan Avakian’s work deals with the perception and experience of memory. In his video works The Video Story and Short Wave Long Wave, memories, fabrications and delirium merge into a common narrative, examining how stories are constructed. Through a transdisciplinary artistic approach, Avakian combines the creative nature of science and visual metaphor to depict complex social issues. His videos, installations, sculptures and photographs reflect on questions of collective memory and invite viewers to see objects as portals into past and future imaginaries.

For the third edition of Spotlight, the two videos will be screened at Villa 102. Afterwards, Vartan Avakian will give insights into his artistic practice. Works by the artist from KfW Stiftung’s collection will also be on display.

The event will be held in english. The artist talk will be moderated by Rose Field, acting Programme Manager Arts & Culture. 

The event flyer can be downloaded here.

Biography

Vartan Avakian (*1977, Lebanon) is a former fellow of KfW Stiftung’s cultural programme in cooperation with Künstlerhaus Bethanien, Berlin, and a board member of the Arab Image Foundation. He has exhibited in institutions such as the Sursock Museum (Beirut), SAVVY Contemporary (Berlin), Centre for Contemporary Art (Warsaw) and the 10th Sharjah Biennial.

Spotlight

Spotlight: Vartan Avakian is the third iteration of a new public event series held at regular intervals at Villa 102. With readings, dance performances, and other interventions, the initiative showcases previous participants of KfW Stiftung’s programme and encourages a discussion around current issues. The historic Villa 102 serves as a stage for such transcultural dialogue and invites the public to exchange and discuss perspectives. 

9 March 2023 - Spotlight: Clara Jo 
30 June 2022 - Spotlight: Khvay Samnang 

Image Credit

Short Wave Long Wave (still), 2010, Video 07:10 © Vartan Avakian