Mher Khachatryan

About This Interview

In my interview with Mher Khachatryan, he opened up about how his personal journey from Armenia to the U.S. has profoundly influenced his art. Growing up in a country ravaged by war, he shared how art became a form of escape for him, a way to find freedom even when resources were scarce. His early experiences shaped the way he views his work today, especially in balancing deeply personal stories with universal themes. As we discussed, Mher doesn't see his art as constrained by his Armenian identity, but as a way to connect with human experiences that transcend cultural boundaries.

Mher reflected on the impact of the Armenian Genocide on his art, particularly how distorted narratives have shaped people's understanding of the event. His approach is not about fostering hatred but about education and remembrance. He mentioned how moving to the U.S., especially a place as culturally diverse as New York and New Jersey, helped him realize that art has no language. This revelation inspired him to expand the scope of his work beyond Armenian themes to focus on broader topics like human rights, memory, and identity.

One of the most striking moments of our conversation was when Mher shared his thoughts on the nature of trauma and violence. He spoke about the importance of acknowledging historical atrocities like the Armenian Genocide and the Holocaust, but also stressed that we must focus on peace and reconciliation rather than letting past violence fuel present-day hatred. He even shared how he’s built friendships with people from Turkey, recognizing that the people of today shouldn't be judged for the actions of their ancestors, a sentiment that aligns with his message of healing and moving forward.

Mher’s smoke paintings, which we discussed in depth, are especially intriguing. He uses smoke as a metaphor for the fleeting nature of life and memory, with each wisp representing a unique moment that will never repeat. He believes that the beauty of his smoke paintings lies in how they act as mirrors, reflecting whatever the viewer brings to the experience. Whether it's love, pain, or anything in between, each person sees something different, making the connection between the art and the viewer intensely personal.

One particularly powerful piece we discussed was Mher’s 9/11 painting. He shared how his visit to the 9/11 Memorial deeply affected him, transforming what was once a set of historical facts into a visceral emotional experience. The painting itself is monumental, with 2,977 candles representing each life lost in the attacks. For those who lived through 9/11, the piece evokes strong emotions and memories, while for younger viewers like me, it offers a way to connect with the magnitude of the event on a more personal level. Mher’s goal is to bring hope and resilience into the narrative, focusing on the strength and unity that emerged in the aftermath of such a tragic day.

Toward the end of our conversation, Mher shared advice for artists working with heavy themes like genocide and trauma. His message was clear: focus on becoming the change you want to see in the world. He believes in the power of positive energy and sees art as a way to uplift and inspire, rather than dwell on darkness. His philosophy of being true to oneself as an artist resonated with me deeply, and I could feel how this approach has shaped his entire career.

Looking ahead, Mher is working on a global project that involves capturing portraits of individuals from every country in the world, paired with mirrors to reflect the viewer. His vision for this project speaks to the idea that we are all connected, and it aligns with his belief in unity and shared human experience. It's a project that, like much of his work, is ambitious, personal, and universal all at once.

Through our conversation, I felt incredibly inspired by Mher’s ability to transform personal pain into a message of hope and healing. His approach to art, as a way to foster understanding and connection, has influenced how I think about my own work. His story is a powerful reminder that art has the ability to transcend boundaries and create lasting change.