Golden Apricot International Film Festival revolutionizes classic red  carpet ritual with unique handwoven contemporary Armenian carpets

ArmInfo. This year's 21st Golden Apricot Yerevan International Film Festival (GAIFF) debuts a  contemporary red carpet ritual featuring exclusive designs by contemporary Armenian visual artist Davit Kochunts.

Composed of 7  unique carpets curated by Nairi Khatchadourian, the contemporary red  carpet collection entitled "Point of Reference" is produced by the  Yerevan-based artistic practice AHA collective, redefining tradition  and breaking away from glamor.  Handwoven by women weavers from Goris  Handmade and Woolway Studio, the collection translates topographical  maps of Artsakh, one of the cradles of Armenian carpet making. The  collection is an exciting result of the collaboration between GAIFF,  AHA collective, and ARARAT Museum.

    During the opening ceremony, one of the seven carpets was gifted to  Alexander Payne, President of GAIFF's International Film Competition  Jury, winner of two Academy Awards.

    "Breaking a tradition is, of course, a difficult decision, especially  one with a history older than all the film festivals in the world.  Nonetheless, the creation of a new tradition gives even more strength  than saying goodbye to a powerful tradition", states GAIFF festival  director and artistic director, Karen Avetisyan.

    "The art of carpet is one of the most significant expressions of  Armenian culture, with its centuries-old history, craftsmanship, and  high international recognition. I am pleased that since 2023, AHA  Collective and Davit Kochunts have begun to bring contemporary  content and new forms to the Armenian art of carpet through  collaboration with women weavers. It is important that both the craft  and the designs continuously evolve and reflect current realities. In  this way, new cultural discourses will form in society, and a deeper  connection will be made between the past and the present", states art  historian, curator, and founder of AHA Collective, Nairi  Khatchadourian.

    "Cinema is very important to me. My connection with cinema serves as  the foundation from which I draw inspiration. Golden Apricot is the  largest film festival in Armenia, during which different people and  different guests walk through. Carpet is one of the best media to  have influence from and to deconstruct thoughts and styles, from  which I never renounce when creating", shares artist Davit Kochunts,  designer of the "Point of the Reference" collection.

    "Similar projects provide an opportunity for the forgotten craft to  live a renaissance and engage especially young creators. The Woolway  Studio team took part in the realization of the idea with the  greatest responsibility. I hope that this idea will break many  stereotypes and give Armenian artists the opportunity to create  freely and more boldly" says Mariam Nalbandian, senior carpet  restorer at Woolway studio, folk craftswoman of the Republic of  Armenia.

    "Participating in such a beautiful and important film festival and  having my own input in such a bold and gorgeous work is an honor for  me. Having a small part in these historical carpets, which are  connected with my homeland, Artsakh is extremely significant and  touching. I was imagining myself there while weaving each strand;  they led me to Artsakh. It's an indescribable feeling. Carpets that  take an individual to Artsakh is like a flying carpet telling the  story of Artsakh so that Artsakh is not forgotten", shares Shushi-  born carpet weaver Milena Ordiyants.

    Let's also mention that as an introduction to this contemporary red  carpet launch, ARARAT Museum, in collaboration with the Golden  Apricot International Film Festival and AHA Collective, presents an  exhibition of AHA collective's first contemporary carpet collection  "Bold Khndzoresk" designed by Davit Kochunts and curated by Nairi  Khatchadourian.

    The "Bold Khndzoresk" exhibition explores the art of Armenian carpet  weaving within a local, architectural, and natural context. Featuring  expressive photographs by Piruza Khalapyan, the exhibition will be on  display at the ARARAT Museum until August 1.