The deeper one gets into the history of the Armenian Genocide, the more profound a consideration of Michael Aram’s “Migrations” becomes. Aram’s 13 foot tall stainless steel sculpture, dedicated in honor of the centennial of the genocide of the more than 1.5 million Armenian people during World War One, now stands in front of St. Vartan Armenian Cathedral on Second Avenue in Midtown Manhattan. The sculpture was unveiled and blessed by Archbishop Khajag Barsamian during an evening ceremony on Tuesday, October 6th, 2015.

The date of April 24th is commemorated as Genocide Remembrance Day by Armenians around the world, in memory of the night of 23/24 April, 1915, also known as Red Sunday, when the Ottoman government rounded up and imprisoned an estimated 250 Armenian intellectuals and community leaders of the Ottoman capital, Constantinople. Following the passage of Tehcir Law on May 29, 1915, the Armenian leaders, except for the few who were able to return to Constantinople, were gradually deported and assassinated. Techir is a word of Arabic origin that translates into “deportation” or “forced displacement”, and the law authorized the deportation of the Ottoman Empire’s entire Armenian population, resulting in the deaths of between 800,000 to over 1,800,000 civilians.

In recognition of his 25 years as a celebrated fine artist, sculptor and designer, Aram, who is American born of Armenian descent, was selected by The Eastern Diocese of the Armenian Church of America to create a sculpture in remembrance of the centennial of the Armenian Genocide. Aram’s sculpture “Migrations” traveled from the artist’s design studio in India to New York City to be unveiled at the ceremony earlier this month. The artist worked with historians to determine the shape of the map representing Armenian territories before lands were seized and people were eradicated and forced out. Referencing Armenian Khachkars (stone steles with cross carvings used to mark early Christian settlements), Aram used the meaningful vertical rectangular shape as a reference when designing “Migrations”. With the tall, looming structure built from polished stainless steel, the artist envisioned a large crack in the shape of the historic map. He then tipped the map on its side, and sculpted darkened bronze birds fleeing through the unsettling gap.

While “Migrations” focuses on the tragedy and departure from Armenia, it also captures the glistening light that prevailed through the darkness. The piece serves as a testimony of survival and triumphed existence. “There’s something metaphorical about seeing Armenia tipped on its side, literally turned upside down by what happened 100 years ago,” says the artist. “The birds represent various forms of migration. The migration of Armenians all over the world; the migration of souls; and also the migration of spirit. Some of the birds are silent, some are shrieking and some are in shock and lost” says Aram. “Many Armenians who managed to survive were separated from their families. It changed the country forever and millions lost their lives.”

After the unveiling of the sculpture, Archbishop Khajag Barsamian addressed the massive assembly of guests on the plaza of the cathedral. “The year 1915 was a time of suffering and turmoil for the entire world. For the Armenian people, it marked the start of our greatest cataclysm: a loss of life, freedom, and homeland. It took decades before the right word could be created to even describe those events. It was the scholar, Dr. Rafael Lemkin, who gave a name to the crime against our people, with the term “genocide.” Yet even today, there are some in the world would deny the terrible realities of 1915. However, the truth cannot be so easily erased. It was preserved by the descendants of the fallen, and transmitted to the future through their powerful testimonies of witness”.

“During this centennial year, I have been amazed to see an incredible outpouring of support for the recognition of the Armenian Genocide—which has come from all quarters of the world. It is a sign to me that the events of 100 years ago are still relevant to us today—perhaps more relevant today than they have ever been in the past.
And the story of the Armenian people’s survival—our victory and vindication in the aftermath of tragedy—is eternally relevant, and a source of moral and creative inspiration for us all. To me, that is the larger message of tonight’s event. The extraordinary work of art before us speaks for itself as the product of profound inspiration, by an artist of supreme sensitivity and creative ability. I am deeply grateful to Michael Aram for bringing his artistic vision to life, for all the world to see; and for his extraordinary generosity in allowing us to place it in this setting of holiness and hope: St. Vartan Armenian Cathedral”.

While “Migrations” is a memorial to the events of 1915, Aram hopes that no matter who is looking at the piece, they will be moved by seeing their own image in the mirror of polished steel as a reflection of their own family story of migration. It is unlikely that a visitor to St. Vartan Armenian Cathedral, after taking a moment to view the sculpture and ponder the events behind its creation, will walk away from the plaza on 34th Street and Second Avenue unmoved by its power and transcendent beauty.

Aram makes beautiful and distinctive objects for the home. After taking what would later be a life-altering trip to India in 1989, where he discovered rich metalworking traditions, Aram turned his artistic vision towards craft based design, setting up a home and workshop in New Delhi. Although he is most recognized for his signature metal gift and tabletop offerings, he also designs large-scale sculptures, furniture, lighting, home fragrance, textiles, porcelain and fine jewelry. Aram splits his time between his workshop in India and his New York City studio. Aram’s work is sold at his Flagship location at 136 West 18th Street in New York City, and in over 60 countries through fine department stores and specialty retailers. For more information, visit www.michaelaram.com.

Michael Aram

136 W 18th St

New York, NY 10011

Phone:(212) 461-6903

www.michaelaram.com