Homage to Parajanov by Sarkis

ISTANBUL

Pera Museum presents for the first time in Turkey a selection that brings together all periods of the versatile, multicultural visual world of renowned Armenian director Sergey Parajanov, the master of poetic cinema. 

The exhibition also features works exclusively created in homage to Parajanov by Sarkis, who passionately followed him. 

“Parajanov, with Sarkis” has been prepared in collaboration with Sergey Parajanov Museum and brings his early works, the works he made in prison and the works from the 1980s, the most productive period of his creativity, together. 

Curated by Zaven Sargsyan, the director of Sergey Parajanov Museum in Yerevan, the exhibition features many works across a wide spectrum ranging in style from the traditional to pop-art, from strikingly unique collages to storyboard drafts, from film costumes to drawings, paintings, mosaics, objects and photographs. 

Although born and raised in Georgia, Parajanov’s roots go back to Armenia. He was educated in Russia and filmed for a long period in Ukraine. Parajanov displays a cultural diversity that draws not only from the rich Caucasian culture that brings together Georgian, Armenian, Iranian and Ottoman cultures, but also European, Western and even Ancient Greek cultures. 

“Parajanov, with Sarkis” also displays the works of another master, Sarkis, all made in homage to Parajanov. Being very compassionate about his work, Sarkis communicates, speaks and salutes Parajanov through icons, neons, screens and various installations. 

Designed by Bülent Erkmen, the exhibition and its catalogue aim to bring out all sides of Parajanov’s creativity. The catalogue includes texts by curator Sargsyan, Jean Radvanyi and Levon Abrahamian. 

Sargsyan mentions that although Parajanov had a life full of challenges and pains, “his art is always about beauty and goodness” and adds: “This exhibition in Istanbul is the largest exhibition of his works beyond the walls of his museum. We wanted to exhibit his art in this wonderful city with a great, living Armenian heritage which mesmerized him when he visited it in 1989 in the most comprehensive manner possible. We hope that this exhibition will warm the hearts of its viewers, and help bring our peoples closer together.” 

The exhibition, which opened on Dec. 13, will run through March 17, 2019.