AS IS | Maryam Tamrazyan

Artist

From Dilijan, Armenia

Based in Moscow, Russia

"I pay special attention to photographs in collages, I carefully search for them in the Armenian archives, and I begin to think about how I could complement these old photos and give them life in the digital space. Many of the photographs in my work are more than a century old.."

A: What brought you into art?

M: Digital collage attracted me about two years ago. Before that, I was interested in decorative art, painting on wood. I always liked to find meticulous work, but over time, I became more and more interested in a digital space. As a result of my creative search, love of photography, decorative art and visual nuances together led me to a digital collage.

A: What inspires you the most?

M: I have an endless number of inspiration sources: painting, illustration, photography, poetry, and music. I partially use all these in my art, and as a consequence of the fusion of different kinds of art, this is what I call "magical realism". I try to observe, notice, and learn more in order to embody this in my world. But I must admit that I pay special attention to photographs in collages, I carefully search for them in the Armenian archives, and I begin to think about how I could complement these old photos and give them life in the digital space. Many of the photographs in my work are more than a century old.

A: Do you have any specific rituals while working(creating)?

M: I don't have any rituals as such, but I gather my thoughts and emotions for a long time to start working. It is often difficult to concentrate, as I am overwhelmed with different sensations or excitement before a "clean sheet".

A: What would you recommend to someone new to art (an artist or just an admirer), what to begin with?

M: Perhaps I would recommend paying attention to your interests and preferences, not trying to avoid them or change them according to the trends that have been established. Even if your interest lays in archival photos, even if it seems to you that your preferences are old-fashioned, do not ignore them. By focusing on exactly what you love the most, you can create something really interesting and unique.

A: Your top 3 adjectives related to art?

M: It's hard to give just three words: sincere, truthful, and captivating.

A: The best angle to look at art is from..?

M: The best angle to look at art is from the soul. The artist must train not only his eye but also his soul.

A: The Perfect phrase to start any conversation about art is:.?

M: Hmm, I think we should start the conversation with what art means to you. It has a saving power for everyone, and each artist's work hides its own story of salvation.

A: Must-read books to talk about art (or do we even need them)?

M: Conversations with Picasso by Brassaï. I absolutely love this book; it is the very embodiment of art, and the smell of Picasso's workshops reigns in it. A beautifully written book that captures the captivating conversations between Brassai, Picasso, and a variety of other artists, writers, and acquaintances who frequented Picasso's Paris studios for over two decades. This is a really beautiful book about some incredible artists.

A: What would it be if you could change one thing in the art world?

M: Lifetime popularity of the artists, not posthumous.

A: Please, share your favorite quote (not necessarily related to art)

M: “The sum of beauty is equal to the sum of open eyes” / Beauty exists in the mind that observes it

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