Photographer Hrair Hawk Khatcherian will present his new book, titled “Khatchkars: Emblematic Art of Armenia,” on November 14 at California State University, Fresno. The discussion will be held at 7 p.m. in the University Business Center, located at 5245 N. Backer Ave., Alice Peters Auditorium, on the Fresno State campus.
A reception will precede the talk from 6 to 7 p.m., during which the Andrew Hagopian Trio will perform.
Among the creations of Armenian artistic genius, which gives this nation an important place in art’s universal history, the khatchkar (khatch meaning cross; kar meaning stone) is probably the most iconic example of this in Armenia. Khatcherian will present his new book, “Khatchkar: Art and Soul-An Armenian Visual Journey” and will link the khatchkar to images in Armenian manuscript paintings. The book will be available for purchase at the lecture.
Khatcherian was born in Lebanon in 1961. In 1982, he earned his wings as a commercial pilot in Hayward, California. He moved to Canada in 1984, working as a freelance photojournalist in Toronto. In 1988, he actively participated in various activities of the Armenian Diaspora related to the Artsakh (Karabakh) Movement.
For almost three decades now, Hawk has been presenting exhibitions, conferences, photographic lectures all around the globe, making Artsakh, Armenia and Western Armenia an accessible reality for all. His photographs have appeared in numerous magazines, newspapers, books and publications.
Khatcherian has reached the top of the biblical mountain Ararat, the sacred symbol of Armenians, and in that mythical place he has solemnly renewed his commitment and his oath to pursue his work relentlessly.
The presentation is part of the Grace and Paul Shahinian Armenian Christian Art Series and is co-sponsored by the AGBU Greater Fresno Chapter.
The reception and lecture are free and open to the public. Parking is available in Fresno State Lot P6, near the University Business Center. Permits are required for Thursday night lectures and free permits will be available at the venue.
Khatcherian’s presentation will also be live-streamed on YouTube page.
For information about upcoming Armenian Studies Program presentations, please follow their Facebook page, @ArmenianStudiesFresnoState or at the Program website.
