Shahen Ordubekyan has loved painting since childhood, and his school friends noticed their friend’s talent and advised him to enroll in art school. “Painting is a world for me where I feel free, because I am both the master and the servant, the worker, everything in that world. In that world, I can fight against myself, for myself… sometimes I lose, sometimes I win, because I create what I have never created before. Now I am creating something new, which requires a lot of effort and enthusiasm.”
The artist sees painting not only as a means of expression but also as a path to self-discovery. He understands that art is a struggle—sometimes difficult, sometimes victorious, but always meaningful. It is this awareness that shapes not merely a good painter, but a genuine creator.
“There are paintings that are philosophical; you need to look at them and understand. There are forms of painting that are only emotions, and I am a supporter of that. For me, what is dear to my soul is what evokes emotion—whether it be a brushstroke, a line, or a color,” the artist recounts.
He notes that with each new painting he learns again, and before each painting he feels inexperienced. Only after applying the paint and achieving a certain shade does he form an idea related to the painting.
The twentieth part of the “Mystery of Creation” film series, implemented within the framework of the “ZArt” cultural project by Iravaban.net, will open doors to Shahen Ordubekyan’s creative world, where each line and color is not an explanation of an idea, but an emotion—immediate, sincere, and sometimes even inexplicable. The viewer will understand how art becomes a path to self-discovery, and why each new canvas is a new challenge and a new beginning for him.
“ZArt” 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 abroad, contributing to the popularization of art and the recognition of artists. Through this series of films, society comes closer to art, and artists come closer to society, creating a beautiful space for cultural mutual understanding.
“An artist must always be connected to their foundation, their roots. Ours is specifically Armenian, and the Armenian gene is in our blood; our art comes from the Middle Ages. Art with roots is embedded in the soil and is strong. For artists living in Armenia, it is important that we preserve our culture; no matter how much new we create, our national identity should be at the foundation.”
Such an artist creates not only interesting works but also a long-term cultural heritage, continuing the Armenian artistic tradition formed over centuries with a new breath.
Details in the video.
The author and director of the “ZArt” cultural project is Karen Zadoyan, and the author and director of the “Mystery of Creation” video series is Vazgen Ghukasyan.
