Ashot Avagyan

In 2000 I travelled for the first time to Syunik, and the town of Sisian. There, I was privileged to meet Ashot Avagyan, an artist who takes his inspiration from the pre-historic rock art found at Ughtasar, high up in the mountains above Sisian.
The journey to Ughtasar was incredible, we used large military trucks to transport an odd assortment of artists, reporters, Yerevantsi, Diasporans, and the odd odar (me) 3000 metres up the mountain, to a lonely and desolate place where prehistoric man had etched pictures of animals into the rocks.

Next month there will be a trip organised from Yerevan to Ughtasar, which Ashot will be leading. I have posted the details for anyone who is interested.

LIFEART PERFORMANCE WEEKEND in SISIAN, AUGUST 14-15, 2004

Since 1999, acclaimed Sisian artist Ashot Avagyan, has hosted unforgettable
pilgrimages to spiritual sights
around Sisian for mystical performance art and creative rituals. His
performances and creations pay homage
to mankind's prehistoric ancestors, nature and our past lives. This event
coincides with "Navasard", the old
Armenian New Year, where rituals celebrated the passage of time and birth of the
New Year.

Participants will have an opportunity to shed negativity, bury past faults and
foibles and be reborn, to rejoice in life and celebrate our spiritual beings. It is recommended for guests to bring
clothing to be worn in layers. Days are warm and nights are cool. Hiking shoes & long pants for the evening rituals
are a must. It is also recommended to bring your adventurous spirit, flashlight, sunscreen, sunglasses, hat,
camera, snacks & water for the ride to Sisian, and other necessary personal items. (Luggage space is limited to a small overnight bag.)

Due to the nature of roads leading to Ukhtasar, military jeeps and trucks will
be utilized. The last stretch to the 3,300 m
sight requires hiking in high elevations. Food and water will be provided for
the trip. This adventure will have a doctor
accompany the pilgrimage. Due to the nature of the event, the minimum age is 16
and good health.

The price is $65.00 USD per person and includes round trip transportation from
Yerevan to Sisian, one night?s hotel
stay in shared accommodation, all meals and touring. Gratuities are not
included.

Should you decide to provide your own 4?wheel drive transportation from Yerevan
all the way to Ukhtasar, the price
is $45.00 USD per person. WE MUST KNOW IF YOU PLAN TO DO THIS.

Space is limited due to transportation availability in Sisian. Tickets will be
sold on a first come, first served basis.
DEADLINE FOR TICKET PURCHASE IS August 2nd, 2004. Payment in cash only. Tickets
are available for purchase
through Globe Travel:
#14 Sayat Nova St, tel: 54 77 77, 54 71 11; contact person Anna Simonyan,
anna@globetravel.am or info@goarmenia.com.

For further information on the event, please contact: Liana Hovakimyan with IESC
@ (09) 208178 or lianajan99@yahoo.com.

This event is made possible with the technical assistance of International
Executive Service Corps (IESC), funded by
United Nations Development Program (UNDP) and United States Agency for
International Development (USAID),
and in cooperation with the Ministry of Trade & Economic Development (MTED).

TOUR / PROGRAM

14 August 2004
Depart Ani Plaza Hotel
Visit Noravank Monastery
Check-in at Basen Hotel, lunch
Portakar Fertility ceremony
Artisan's market & Dinner
Zorats Karer & Ginedzon

15 August 2004
Breakfast at Basen Hotel
Tour Ukhtasar & Purification Ceremony
Khorovats picnic lunch
Depart Sisian

Posted by Matt on July 28, 2004 | TrackBack | Email to a friend