For many artists, becoming a recognized painter is a dream, but in reality, it requires not only talent but also boundless dedication and inner light. Armenian artist Manan Muradyan is an exceptional example of this, having not put down her brush for more than 20 years, creating new art every day. One might think that an artist of such accomplishment would perceive the world only through colors, but in reality, Manan is an extremely spiritual person who compares painting to prayer—a unique means of establishing an intimate connection with heaven.
Why did she decide to choose the path of an artist? How do Narekatsi’s prayers become a source of inspiration for her works? And what irreplaceable role does art play in her life? Find answers to these and other moving questions in the fifth part of the “The Mystery of Creation” video series, implemented within the framework of the “ZArt” cultural project, produced by Iravaban.net.
The “ZArt” cultural project has a special mission: to build a bridge between art and society. The project aims to present Armenian artists and their exceptional works not only to Armenian society but also to the diaspora and international audiences, contributing to the popularization of art and the recognition of artists. Through this series of films, society comes closer to art, and artists closer to society, creating a beautiful space for cultural mutual understanding.
Recalling her creative journey, “Art entered my life by chance. A friend saw that I was painting and that it was working out well. She was studying at the academy at that time and helped me by providing painting tools,” remembers artist Manan Muradyan as she recounts how this friend guided her toward the Terlemezyan State College of Fine Arts.
“Art took me into its world after Terlemezyan, and one could say it grabbed me and hasn’t let go until today… I don’t know, it’s like the natural course of life—like how people eat bread and do their daily tasks.”
The artist describes the role of art and painting in her life this way: “For me, the day doesn’t begin without picking up a brush, without creating something new. If you notice, creative motifs dominate my art; I don’t like to copy much. I love painting models—if I’m painting from nature, then it’s the person, the person with their inner world.”
Manan has spent many years searching for herself in her art: “My explorations mostly revolve around this theme. It’s also like prayer—when you paint, it’s as if you’re praying, establishing a connection with heaven. These are similar phenomena; I cannot explain it.”
All of this has captivated the artist so much that she hasn’t put down her brush for more than 20 years: “If I hadn’t become an artist, a painter, perhaps I would have become an athlete now. It’s probably a way to release that energy. In my younger years, I always had these thoughts, but art and creative power emerged victorious, and I remained in this world that gives me life.”
She explains that she often paints while listening to Narekatsi’s prayers, and the results are interesting: “My soul becomes peaceful, and my painting becomes peaceful too. From time to time, I listen to liturgy, then suddenly you hear completely different music, more modern, more interesting. Sometimes I listen to my son; he writes interesting compositions… All of this has some influence on your theme.”
The creator and director of the “ZArt” cultural project is Karen Zadoyan, the author and director of “The Mystery of Creation” video series is Vazgen Ghukasyan.
