Art takes on many forms. Some artists paint to make people happy, to solidify important memories, or to simply match the furniture. Whether a paintbrush, camera, or mixed media is used, some insist on creating work that makes people think. The art of Sophia Gasparian, does just that. It has a history and tells an important story.
Gasparian is known for her sociopolitical work. As an artist, she thrives on blatant political subjects. Sophia was born in Yerevan, Armenia. In 2002, Sophia developed the installation “The Day of the Dead: Armenian Genocide 1915.” In 2005, she co-curated an international group exhibition “Requiem for the Genocide” with Yerevan MOCA.
Constantly pushing barriers, Gasparian recently completed the “Forced to Confront the Face of Evil” series. Her narrative paintings intertwine childlike innocence with sociopolitical criticism and her aesthetic approach remains apart from mainstream art, incorporating stencils, stickers, spray paint, and other nontraditional media.
Gasparian is one of many successful artists who have agreed to donate their work to “Artworks for Healing” tonight, Feb. 8 at the Skirball Center.
This fundraising event will benefit the nonprofit organization, A Window Between Worlds.
Celebrating its 20th anniversary, A Window Between Worlds has helped thousands of survivors of domestic violence, through art programs.
The event is being presented in collaboration with Heidi Gray and the James Gray Gallery at Bergamot Station, as well as several other prominent Los Angeles galleries.
Sophia was excited when curators of a recent show, J.Cheryl Bookout and Amanda Quinn Oivar asked her to be a part of “Artworks for Healing.”
“It is an honor to participate and be among a great company of people who care about public issues,” Gasparian said. “Women are often uneducated and unprepared for social success. With my painting titled ‘I Deserve You,’ I hope to encourage young people to expect positivity and greatness in their lives. With a little inspiration from the arts, it is possible to achieve one’s dreams and goals.”
“Artworks for Healing” will be held 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. tonight, Feb. 8, at Skirball Cultural Center, located at 2701 N. Sepulveda, Los Angeles, 90049.
Additional participating artists include: Peter Alexander, Herb Alpert, Larry Bell, Amy Caterina, Chase, Chukes, Shepard Fairey, Curt Gunther, Ed Moses, Cathy Salser and many more.
The event will feature an art auction, champagne, hors d’oeuvres, and dessert. Tickets are $75 and can be purchased online.
Visit www.sophiagasparian.com or http://awbw.org/awbw/donate-event_detail.php?id=178.
