July 6th to July 30th, 2004
The Pollard Memorial Library
of Lowell Massachusetts.
Reception open to the public July 27th
6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Varoujan's Peace of Art at the Pollard
by Rosario Teixeira
Lowell, MA - During the month of July, Peace of Art will be on display at the Pollard Memorial Library, located at 401 Merrimack Street Lowell, MA. A reception open to the public will be held on July 27th from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Peace of Art was created by Daniel Varoujan Hejinian, a local artist who is well known internationally. For more information log on to www.PeaceofArt.org or call 508-580-3151 or send comments to contact@PeaceofArt.org.
"The Pollard Memorial Library is truly honored to be an exhibition location for Mr. Hejinian's work. His art portrays some of the most universal injustices of our time in an eloquent, sensitive, and thought provoking manner, and we are thrilled to be able to showcase it. I would encourage everyone who visits the Pollard to stop by our meeting room on the ground floor and experience 'Peace of Art' for himself or herself." Said Julie Ann Iatron, Coordinator of Community Planning.
Peace of Art is a global traveling art exhibit which addresses the universal human condition. The current exhibition at the Pollard Memorial Library of Lowell, MA, is the eighth exhibit since Peace of Art was first displayed at the Armenian Library and Museum of America in Watertown, MA, in September 2003. The art work has been viewed by thousands of people and the response has been overwhelmingly positive. Independent of political or religious dogma, Peace of Art intends to promote understanding for human suffering and generate dialogue. The art work combines superb artistry and eloquently expresses realities of the society we live in. Each piece is a reflection of humanity, but in the end, it is up to the viewer to draw his/her own conclusions.
"Peace of art exhibit effectively demonstrates the timeless struggles of the human race in a brilliant visual depiction. Bold stokes [...] bring you into the emotional aspects of the artwork. I enjoyed the 'roller coaster ride' of feelings viewing the exhibit and saw something new in the subtle re-arrangement of pieces." Said Lisa Moorehead.
Patrick Pierce, a Lowell-based artist, said that the art work is classic in the sense that "it is directly related to the high concept of art in the European tradition. He makes a great effort in the belief that art matters as a path to evoke and overcome the challenges of life. For example, the musician in 'Crucifixion of the Musician' attains victory over life though music, but he's worn out by his effort." Pierce further states that Varoujan works from "a romantic vision that lets him talk directly about inner states and the triumphs of perception." In Varoujan's art, "there's a passion and sincerity in what he does. There's no cool detachment, no irony. He deals in the grand romantic manner with life and the victories of affirmation possible through the practice of art. In this he stands apart from much of the contemporary art stream."
"Varoujan's method, technique and skill of portraying each piece so vividly and descriptively are what make this project so unique. Each piece captures a sense of identity and story telling," said Sabine Chouljian of the Armenian Library and Museum of America.
City Councilor John Tobin, who, along with Councilor Charles Yancey co-sponsored Peace of Art at the Boston City Hall in May-June 2004, said that Varoujan's artwork "communicates a message of hope. It says if we all pull together, we can solve problems and achieve peace. The Peace of Art exhibit is especially important right now in light of current events around the world. The arts bring diverse groups of people together to express themselves in interesting and creative ways. It is my hope that Peace of Art will bring people together and inspire them."
"I hope that people who see Hejinian's work will walk away with an enhanced desire to improve the quality of life for all," said Councilor Yancey.
Peace of Art also has been exhibited at the Driscoll Gallery at Brockton Library; Doric Hall at the State House, sponsored by State Representative David Nangle, of Lowell; Gallery Z in Providence, RI; Stoneham Library; and Grand Concourse South Station Building in Boston. Please send comments to contact@PeaceofArt.org. For more information, go to www.PeaceofArt.org or call 508-580-3151.
