The unity of Generations
Aramais Danielyan
Hrant Danielyan
Aram Danielyan
David Danielyan
My grandfather, Aramais Danielyan, was arrested in 1936 for publicly accusing Lavrenti Beria of the
death of Agassi Khanjian. In 1937, he was exiled to Siberia.
In his journal, he recounts the harrowing experience of being loaded into frozen wagons and transported
away from Yerevan. The brutal journey claimed lives, with some succumbing to the unbearable
conditions, while others suffered frostbite on their faces and limbs. Upon arrival, a leader urgently
inquired, "среди вас есть художники?" ("are there painters among you?"). Despite initial fear and
hesitation, Aramis Danielyan identified himself as an artist. Pressed to prove his claim, he was asked to
draw something. Painting a vivid scene of Lake Sevan and Ararat on a wall, he earned the approval of
those in charge.
This artistic skill spared him from the harshest conditions, landing him in the domestic department where he was tasked with creating slogans and papers. Occasionally, he was summoned by leaders to paint the walls of their apartments, a task he prolonged to bask in the warmth. The narrative implies that without Aramis Danielyan's drawing talent, survival in those circumstances would have been doubtful, and subsequent generations, including "his generation," might not have come to be.
Hrant Danielyan, my father, possessed innate artistic talent and complemented it with a high-caliber academic education in Art, obtaining degrees from the Moscow University of Painting and the Kyiv Technical School of Painting. His artistic endeavors centered around Kapan, his cherished city, where he immortalized the essence of Syunik through depictions of Khustup mountain, Kapan village life, city streets, and the overall atmosphere.
In our family's artistic journey, my brother Aram Danielyan and I had the privilege of learning and creating in our father's studio. Aram, an abstract painter, has garnered recognition not only in Armenia but also internationally. His artworks transcend traditional boundaries, finding expression in modern digital and NFT formats.
This creative legacy spans three generations within the Danielyan family, with each succeeding era dedicated to enhancing Armenian art. The ongoing series of artistic contributions from our family signals a commitment to the continuous evolution of this legacy. I am optimistic that future generations within our family will carry the torch of artistic expression, ensuring that the rich tapestry of the Danielyan artistic tradition persists and evolves.
This artistic skill spared him from the harshest conditions, landing him in the domestic department where he was tasked with creating slogans and papers. Occasionally, he was summoned by leaders to paint the walls of their apartments, a task he prolonged to bask in the warmth. The narrative implies that without Aramis Danielyan's drawing talent, survival in those circumstances would have been doubtful, and subsequent generations, including "his generation," might not have come to be.
Hrant Danielyan, my father, possessed innate artistic talent and complemented it with a high-caliber academic education in Art, obtaining degrees from the Moscow University of Painting and the Kyiv Technical School of Painting. His artistic endeavors centered around Kapan, his cherished city, where he immortalized the essence of Syunik through depictions of Khustup mountain, Kapan village life, city streets, and the overall atmosphere.
In our family's artistic journey, my brother Aram Danielyan and I had the privilege of learning and creating in our father's studio. Aram, an abstract painter, has garnered recognition not only in Armenia but also internationally. His artworks transcend traditional boundaries, finding expression in modern digital and NFT formats.
This creative legacy spans three generations within the Danielyan family, with each succeeding era dedicated to enhancing Armenian art. The ongoing series of artistic contributions from our family signals a commitment to the continuous evolution of this legacy. I am optimistic that future generations within our family will carry the torch of artistic expression, ensuring that the rich tapestry of the Danielyan artistic tradition persists and evolves.