By Anna Ghazaryan

Kevork Mourad, an Armenian artist born in Syria, is known for his technique of spontaneous painting, where he shares the stage with musicians. He was born in Syria, got education in Armenia, and now lives and works in New York. In an interview with Armenian News-NEWS.am, Kevork Mourad told about his attitude toward modern art, the fusion of art and music and teaching.

Your technique of spontaneous painting is an amazing fusion of art and music. Is there a musician with whom you would like to paint?

I have loved working, and look forward to working again, with Kinan Azmeh (clarinetist/composer), Tambuco (percussion quartet), and Brooklyn Rider (classical quartet).

What inspires you most modern works or classical music?

I love most working with musicians whose music has room for improvisation, and this usually means contemporary music, be it inspired by folk, jazz, or classical music.

In your bio I read that you have worked with public school students. Is it difficult to teach? Do you think a good artist is always a good teacher?

I think a good artist is not necessarily a good teacher, though I suppose many are. I think that in order to teach well, you have to be willing to learn from the students, and be infected by their own enthusiasm and curiosity. Children are the best audience because they are so ready to learn and create, and they do so with joy, especially when they see that you love what you are teaching them. The most important in teaching children is to help them find their voice, and to keep that voice alive without letting it be drowned out by the mass culture. It’s a delicate thing to work with them, because you have to help them learn without influencing them too much, without trying to overpower their own great imagination.

There are different opinions about contemporary art. I have recently heard many people saying that “a pile of garbage or an installation put in a museum cannot be called a piece of art.” Do you agree with them? Do you think the essence of art can change in time?

There are several elements that must make up a good piece of art. Skill and aesthetic need to be in the art, the skill usually better hidden in the piece. The artist needs to have something new to say, without overpowering the aesthetic and the skill. The piece should not need a manual to be understood. Finally, the piece should be able to inspire others to create. It should not be the end of a creative line; it should be a part of it.

Are you planning to come to Armenia? Do you plan to have a live-artwork performance or exhibit your new works here?

I would love to return to Armenia, but need an invitation. I’d jump over in a second, given the opportunity.