Modern times: enemy of arts and crafts

“With the advance of modern technologies, and with the current market mentality, “permission” is given to do away with the arts and crafts developed in Armenia over the course of centuries, such as working with leather, painting with natural colors and making saddles for horses. This is all a case of demand,” stated Ada Manukyan, assistant director of the Armenian museum of national art.

While conversing with panorama.am Manukyan remembered an Armenian saying: “The artist is only hungry the first half of the day.” She then added that the artist works for his daily bread, but it is thanks to the dedicated that art lives.

Today the museum is trying to maintain what is national. The museum has the purpose to “notice and promote” talented artists, giving them the opportunity to present their works there.

“It is difficult to practice these handicrafts in Yerevan today,” she said. “It is in the villages where these practices are maintained.”

In her words, small groups are working in Noyemberian, Ichevan, Alaverdi, Kanakeravan, Sevan, Vedi, Ararat, Sissian, and in other cities and villages of Armenia. Manukyan pointed out that the museum is working with 200 craftsmen in Armenia’s village and towns.

With this cooperation, the museum hopes to preserve at least some of the crafts still being practiced in the country.