cognishift.org A Visit to the World of Creativity
Impressions from the Exhibition of Students of the Meghrashen School of Art
By Susanna Sedrakovna & Ruzanna Sedrakovna
Art speaks a language that can be understood by everyone, regardless of age, nationality, or borders. It was with this feeling that we visited an exhibition showcasing the creative works of students from the Meghrashen School of Art.
From the very first moments inside the exhibition hall, it was clear that every work on display had been created through a combination of love, patience, imagination, and creative thought.
The exhibition brought together works from a variety of genres, including graphic art, landscapes, architectural studies, and paintings. Each piece possessed its own individuality, distinctive approach to colour, and a strong sense of Armenian cultural identity.
Our attention was particularly drawn to works depicting Armenian churches, khachkars — traditional Armenian cross-stones, the Armenian highlands, national costumes, and scenes inspired by nature. Through these works, the students reflected Armenia’s historical and cultural heritage, the beauty of its natural landscape, and its enduring national identity.
The artworks demonstrated that these young students were not merely learning different artistic techniques. Through their creativity, they were also discovering ways of expressing their love and respect for their homeland.
Drawing from a Rich Artistic Tradition
The graphic works displayed at the exhibition were created primarily in the style of decorative linear graphics, using black ink and combining linework with stippling techniques.
This artistic direction has deep connections with the rich traditions of Armenian graphic art, which flourished in Armenia as far back as the medieval period.
It was during this era that Armenian miniature painting, illuminated manuscripts, ornamental lettering, and decorative graphic traditions reached extraordinary levels of sophistication. These artistic forms continue to inspire younger generations of artists today.
The paintings, meanwhile, were dominated by images of the Armenian landscape: Mount Ararat, historic churches, peaceful rural life, and the beauty of the country’s natural environment.
Free and expressive brushstrokes, together with harmonious colour compositions, gave the works a sense of warmth, tranquillity, and optimism.
During our visit, we spoke with the school’s director, its art teacher, and several students, hoping to discover more about their creative journey, their accomplishments, and the passion for art that lies behind their success.
In Conversation with School Director Liza Petrosyan
What has been the most significant achievement of this year?
This academic year has been particularly special for us. Our students have participated in numerous national and international competitions and exhibitions and have achieved excellent results.
One of our most significant successes came at an international exhibition and competition held in Lloret de Mar, Spain, where three of our students received first prizes for their graphic works.
It is an achievement that brings enormous pride both to the students and to the school.
What role does art play in a child’s education and development?
Art is one of the most important elements in a child’s development. It encourages creative thinking, develops imagination and aesthetic awareness, strengthens the ability to express oneself, and contributes to the development of a confident individual.
In Conversation with Art Teacher Liana Vardanyan
Is there a particular moment from the preparations that remains especially memorable?
The most memorable moment is always seeing the children’s works displayed in the exhibition.
It is deeply emotional and inspiring because, at that moment, you realise that months of effort and dedication have been recognised and appreciated.
How did you feel when you saw the children’s success?
Every child’s success fills me with enormous joy and pride.
The most beautiful thing is watching them grow, become more confident, and reach new achievements through their creativity.
What inspires the children the most?
Their greatest source of inspiration is their own success.
When a child sees that their work is appreciated, they become even more motivated to continue creating.
What is the secret behind their achievements?
Their success is founded on determination, hard work, and a genuine love for creativity.
How did you feel when your own work received recognition?
My first feeling was gratitude.
I saw it not simply as recognition of my own work, but as recognition of the efforts of the children and of our entire team.
Voices of the Young Artists
We also spoke with some of the students themselves about their experiences, aspirations, and relationship with art.
What did you feel during the award ceremony?
We felt tremendous excitement, happiness, and pride.
For us, the greatest reward was seeing our work recognised and appreciated.
What do you hope to communicate through your artworks?
Through our paintings and drawings, we want to communicate beauty, kindness, peace, and love for our homeland.
What has art taught you?
Art has taught us to believe in ourselves, to express our thoughts freely, and to see the world in more beautiful colours.
Who would you like to thank?
We would like to thank our art teacher, Liana Vardanyan, who discovered our creative potential, always believed in us, and helped us achieve these successes.
The Artists of the Exhibition
The following students of the Meghrashen School of Art presented their works at the exhibition:
Nane Edgar Abgaryan
Tamara Gevorg Asatryan
Nare Gevorg Atoyan
Tatev Robert Aleksanyan
Narek Ara Balasanyan
Narek Garik Baloyan
Mane Edgar Baghdasaryan
Karen Hovik Bozoyan
Ani Seyran Gabrielyan
Narek Hrant Grigoryan
Alvard Gor Grigoryan
Rita Saribek Davtyan
Eva Mkrtich Harutyunyan
Areg Tigran Ghazaryan
Mariam Matevos Manukyan
Vachik Armen Margaryan
Arsine Arsen Petrosyan
Elen Artur Petrosyan
Melanya Hovik Sahakyan
Tigran Armen Sahakyan
Ruben Davit Sargsyan
Tadevos Davit Sargsyan
Hasmik Hovhannes Farmanyan
Art as a Bridge to the Future
As we left the exhibition, we carried with us more than simply the memory of beautiful artworks.
We also left with a renewed conviction that, for children, art is far more than a means of creative expression. It is one of the most meaningful ways of discovering national values, developing the imagination, preserving cultural memory, and presenting Armenia to the wider world.
The works of these young artists demonstrate how talent, perseverance, and the guidance of a dedicated teacher can enable children to achieve recognition far beyond their immediate surroundings.
Every artwork tells, in its own way, a story about homeland, culture, memory, and beauty.
And perhaps this is one of art’s greatest gifts: its ability to connect generations, preserve identity, and become a bridge between inherited memory and the future still waiting to be created.
Edited by Mari Poghosyan I Cognishift Insider
