Following the re-opening in Vanadzor, the censored “Eclipse” exhibition is to be shown in other cities
18:18, December 2, 2017 | News, Own news
The “Eclipse” exhibition, which was closed in Yerevan, re-opened in Vanadzor on November 29, 2017.
It was possible to re-open the exhibition in Vanadzor thanks to the efforts of Helsinki Citizens’ Assembly Vanadzor Office and Lori TV.
The exhibition that is dedicated to the memory of Hovhannes Tumanyan’s three sons and demonstrates archival materials on Soviet repressions was launched at Hovhannes Tumanyan Museum on August 4, 2017 thanks to Director Narine Tukhikyan’s efforts. However, 22 days later the exhibition was closed upon the demand of the RA Ministry of Culture.
The exhibition was first re-opened at Sargis Muradyan Gallery on November 28 with Director Zaruhi Masuryan’s efforts. According to her, “It is a tragic piece of our history which showcases how the newly created Republic of Armenia was ruined due to the betrayal of Armenian Bolsheviks. And keeping silent about it, not showing it and not presenting it to the society is just a crime.”
Lori TV Director Narine Avetisyan expressed confidence that the exhibition would continue its “provincial journey” and that it would be open as long as Vanadzor residents want it to be open.
HCA Vanadzor Chairman Artur Sakunts considers this to be a response to the Ministry of Culture, which obviously banned the exhibition without grounds.
“We support the approaches to and opinions on history to be expressed based on the principles of pluralism and creative freedom,” states A. Sakunts and adds that there are historical facts that need to be discovered and recognized, only based on which and not within the framework of textbooks, one can form a comprehensive opinion.
Narine Tukhikyan, the author of the initiative, also sent her message to the organizers of and the participants in the exhibition. In her message, she expressed her hope for the exhibition to open a large field of study for the youth.
Willingness has been expressed to hold the exhibition in a number of Armenian cities as well as the city of Frezno in the USA.
The exhibition re-opened in Vanadzor will remain open for all willing to attend an exhibition.