The Mesrop Mashtots Matenadaran—the institute of ancient manuscripts—in Yerevan opened Monday the exhibition DIALOGUE of the well-known contemporary artist Jean Boghossian, co-chair of the Boghossian Foundation. The exhibition is curated by the famous Italian art critic Bruno Cora, the Matenadaran informed Armenian News-NEWS.am.

The exhibition is unique because for the first time contemporary art will be displayed next to ancient manuscripts at the Matenadaran. The core of both collections is the book, through which it became possible to create a bridge that connects the works of a contemporary artist with medieval manuscripts. Boghossian’s numerous works in the form of books dialogue with the manuscripts kept and exhibited at the Matenadaran and are presented harmoniously side by side.

The peculiarity of Boghossian’s art is the use of fire in his artworks. Fire is Boghossian’s artistic language of choice, with which he works on canvas, paper, books, and plastics. In his paintings and drawings, Boghossian uses different multimedia including watercolor, charcoal, oil, pigments and acrylic paint.

The following series of artworks will be represented at the exhibition: Livres-objet brules (2012-2020), Exultet (2014-2016), Fans (2014-2020), Livres relies (2012-2020), Abstract Writing (2016-2021), Sculptures (2007-2020), and other artworks.

This exhibition provides a new experience to represent the old and the new under one roof, to show that the book summarizing the memory of humanity and its heritage can be presented in different artistic ways.

The DIALOGUE exhibition will be open to visitors until October 8.