BY ANNE ATANOSIAN
There is, it would seem, in every attempt to understand what life is all about, a darkened sensibility to mark a universal acceptance; one that will expose one’s secrets while judging how one’s revelations can be accepted. The world of art is what helps us all to claim an acceptance; since all art helps the viewer to a deeper understanding of life – to be able to tread the most fearful spaces and the most exciting realms – all that occurs within the self – and all of enticing reaches within the self deepens the role of art and the artists in our lives.
Levon Jamgochian had been walking those spaces for many years through his art, and while walking, sharing the mysteries of life on his canvases. Since the 1960’s until today, Levon has investigated the layers of material, spectral figures, odd angles of live colors – all relentlessly filling his eye to discover the spirit and rhythm of his dreams.
For the past four years his daring has searched the far reaches of nature and the myriad forms discovered in nature. The result of these reaches has evolved into the collection of prints and sculptures he has titled “Eternity Suite.” Eternity suggests the disattachment to what can be caught and judged; it suggests the materials of the ethereal worlds which surround us. Silhouetted against the vagueness of misty colors – branches that emerge out of nowhere yet are there almost like “Rorschach Patterns.”
The sculptured woods are not without challenge; forces of nature coupled with the eternal qualities of nature; it is all quite subtle. One must look and search out what may look like a garden, but what emerges goes beyond a garden to death—like images of fallen bodies; it all becomes rather mysterious. While what becomes almost a “Detective novel” in one’s searching of the art forms, the realization emerges that the images are not grisly, rather they form life forces submerged in natural forms. So what do we see? Troubled positions, ethereal drifts, tempered tones that soften nature, watered distortions that appear to more in an endless litany of colors and forms.
Circumstances in nature may be tragic, but it is the only background for humanity in which to live.
An exquisitely fascinating collection of works by an artist of conscience and wide experience; one can look and look at each piece – be it sculpture or print, and see emotional ravages of war, and the return of quietude.
Revealing the world of nature, our earth, painted or not, is our landscape. The elements it houses provide our continuity, our survival. In order for growth to occur, all must be rooted in our earth. Levon’s lightening palette sensitizes all the elements of nature. His juxtaposition of complimentary colors, broken strokes, bright colors, paler colors, luminous woodland scenes – determine his philosophy—color, light, movement is his perspective of the world of nature.
Levon Jamgochian’s opening reception will be on Feb. 6 from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m., and will run through March 1st, at Rockville Civic Center Park, at the Glenview Mansion Art Gallery, 603 Edmonston Drive, Rockville, MD. The gallery opening will also feature a violin concert by Levon’s son, Arec Jamgochian, 15 years old; Arec will be accompanied by Irina Kats – who plays the piano.
