GLENDALE, CA—Forest Lawn Museum is proud to present “Memory and Motion: The Paintings of Hratchya Hayents,” an abstract art exhibition that highlights the triumph of the human spirit and addresses themes of nationality, equality, and unity. Featuring more than 20 new and recent works by Armenian-American artist Hratchya Hayents, this is the artist’s first solo exhibition. “Memory and Motion” will be on view in Forest Lawn Museum’s front gallery space from October 23, 2024–January 12, 2025.
Born in Cyprus and raised in Soviet Armenia, Hayents was trained in both sculpture and painting at the Academy of Fine Arts before immigrating to the United States in 1980. Upon his arrival in America, he began exploring the world of Abstract Expressionism, which flourished in the United States during much of the Cold War. Serving as a vibrant means of self-expression, the style has given Hayents freedom with which to examine political and personal experiences.
The paintings in “Memory and Motion” are reminiscent of landscapes, battles, emotions, dancing figures, birds, and more. Hayents’s paintings capture the physical interpretation of these concepts through a harmonious blend of action and meditation. They allow the viewer to tap into their subconscious as they absorb the imagery and vast fields of color in each artwork. Through bright colors and swift movements, viewers can imagine the physical action of creating this work. Additionally, Hayents’s background in sculpture is apparent in many of his pieces. He frequently builds up layers of paint on the canvas, before cutting into them with his brush and revealing the various strata of pigment.
Of his own work and inspiration Hayents stated, “My guiding impulse is the belief that love and peace are the primary drivers of the human spirit, and that colors—like tears—have no nationality.” Hayents—a nine-year employee of Forest Lawn—radiates positivity and kindness. “Hayents’s personality shines as brightly as his artwork, and both are a reminder of how optimism can bring hope to tumultuous experiences,” said exhibition curator and Director of Forest Lawn Museum James Fishburne, PhD. “He is constantly exploring new themes and experimenting with different techniques. His art grows and evolves with every painting. We are delighted to showcase his depiction of the Armenian-American experience for the community.”
The exhibition will be on view at Forest Lawn Museum from October 23, 2024-January 12, 2025. There will be an opening reception on Wednesday, October 23 from 5:00 PM-7:30 PM at Forest Lawn Museum, located at Forest Lawn—Glendale, 1712 S. Glendale Blvd., Glendale, CA 91205. The event will feature live music and complimentary drinks and hors d’oeuvres. The free, family-friendly event includes free parking, and is open to the public, ADA compliant, and wheelchair accessible. Guests are invited to RSVP to [email protected] or 323-340-4782.
Another exhibition, “Narcissus Quagliata: Archetypes and Visions in Light and Glass” will also premiere on October 23. It is the first retrospective exhibition devoted to one of the most influential figures in art glass from the past 50 years. From technical advances in glass fusing, to radical stylistic innovations, Narcissus Quagliata has redefined what it means to be a glass artist. He has been instrumental in moving stained glass beyond ecclesiastical and domestic settings and into the realms of public art and avant-garde studio practices for contemporary fine art. Both exhibitions will be on view during Forest Lawn’s upcoming Día de los Muertos event on Sunday, October 27, 2024, with “Narcissus Quagliata: Archetypes and Visions in Light and Glass” closing on March 9, 2025.
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