Peace of Art Exhibit at Boston City Hall
by Rosario Teixeira
Boston, MA -
Sponsored by City Councilors John M.Tobin, Jr., and Charles C. Yancey, Peace of Art will be on display at the Piedmonte Room, located on the 5th floor of Boston City Hall, until the end of June. The public is invited to a reception to be held on Tuesday, June 15, 2004, from noon to 2 p.m. Peace of Art is a global traveling art exhibit comprised of twenty-one paintings addressing matters of human concern. Devoid of political or religious association, Peace of Art is the creation of artist Daniel Varoujan Hejinian, an internationally known artist who, for the past twenty five years, has made the Boston area his home.
“I am proud to sponsor the Peace of Art exhibit and the works of Daniel Varoujan Hejinian at a public building like Boston City Hall,” said City Councilor John M. Tobin, Jr., Chair of the City Council’s Committee on Arts, Film, Humanities & Tourism. “I believe it is important to make artwork accessible to as many people as possible. One way to achieve that is to give the hundreds of people who pass through Boston City Hall daily an opportunity to view important and meaningful works in a public space.” Councilor Charles C. Yancey stated that Daniel Varoujan Hejinian's exhibit, Peace of Art, aims to raise consciousness of its viewers by providing themes of peace, humanity and unprejudiced thinking. "It's truly enlightening to experience artwork that is not only fabulous in its expression but that is also noteworthy in its viewpoint, which raises vital issues of global ills," said Councilor Yancey.
Considering the current historical events, this exhibit is of the utmost relevance, it reminds us of the global realities of society. Each piece addresses an element of the human condition. "Peace of Heart" reflects upon our ambivalence since September 11 and the stigma of that great loss; "Peace of Bread" addresses the issue ofhunger; "Alone in the City" concerns homelessness; "Cut Throat" reflects upon corporate greed and the lack of human values; "Say no Evil" addresses the issue of deportation; "Falling Bull" refers to the end of a dictatorship and the rise of democracy. But there are other images of ourselves and our society reflected in the art work. "Peace of Music" addresses the connection between two people, living in unison; "Family" concerns the basic support of our society; "Paper Dove" reminds us of our own innocence and the fragility of peace; "Crucifixion of the Violinist" reflects upon the sacrifices one makes for one's art; "Peace Drummers" restores to us the confidence that we can be united, and only peace can give us the freedom we cherish.
“Mr. Hejinian’s series of sketches tackle some of the most important issues of our time: war, fear, intolerance, hunger, violence, and homelessness,” said Councilor Tobin. “But his artwork also 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," Councilor Yancey added.
"We really appreciate Daniel's thoughtful exhibit, Peace of Art, and his generosity in sharing it with
employees at Boston City Hall." Said Ken Yarbrough, of Yencey's office.
"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, Watertown, where Peace of Art was first exhibited in September 2003. Since then, Peace of Art was exhibited at the Driscoll Gallery at Brockton Library; Doric Hall at the
State House, sponsored by State Representative David Nangle; Gallery Z in Providence, RI; Stoneham Library; and Grand Concourse South Station Building in Boston.
The exhibit has been exposed to thousands of viewers with positive response. “‘Family’ and ‘Peace of Music’
are the two sketches that make the biggest impact on me,” said Councilor Tobin. “Both sketches communicate how important family and music are in shaping our attitudes and feelings about peace and our role in the community.”
“I saw your art work in South Station and admired the purposefulness of your message in a time such as we live in now. Peace knows no boundaries, love hath no beginning and no end, visions become realities and yours made my day. Your works have a great humanity of course and also using the fragmented and cubist style enhances the mood of the paintings which you have done with such adroitness." Said Danny Bobrow who saw the exhibit at the Grand Concourse.
