Convergence: Contemporary Artists of Armenian Descent

· January 22, 2026

Image credit:
Gagik Vardanyan, Impressions of California 12, 2018.
Oil on canvas, 36 x 36 inches. Courtesy of the artist.

Exhibition explores community with deep roots in Southern California

March 21, 2026–August 9, 2026
Forest Lawn Museum, Forest Lawn–Glendale

GLENDALE, CA—Forest Lawn Museum will present “Convergence: Contemporary Artists of Armenian Descent,” from March 21–August 9, 2026. “Convergence” showcases the work of more than twenty contemporary artists of the Armenian Diaspora, while offering a glimpse into the innovative practices shaping today’s artistic landscape. Drawing from a variety of influences, the works reflect a kaleidoscope of perspectives, inviting viewers to explore the intersection of culture, identity, and the human experience in a rapidly evolving world. The exhibition features painting, sculpture, video, photography, and other forms of artistic expression.

Armenian communities are spread across the globe, with a large population living in Southern California. For decades Glendale and surrounding neighborhoods have been a major center of Armenian culture. “Convergence” serves as a conceptual framework rather than a rigid thematic focus, as it brings together a diverse group of artists. The exhibition highlights shared heritage and the unique ways it influences creativity, while offering a profound exploration of resilience and identity.

“Convergence” is curated by artists Alina Mnatsakanian and Kaloust Guedel, in collaboration with James Fishburne, Ph.D., Forest Lawn Museum Director. Mnatsakanian said, “Defining Armenian identity is inherently complex, and this exhibition does not attempt to cover the entire spectrum of Armenian narratives or history. Rather, its cohesive element is the heritage of the featured artists.” Guedel said, “The exhibition celebrates connection and understanding without necessarily sharing a uniform sense of identity or heritage. With diverse backgrounds—ranging from those born in the United States to immigrants from various countries—the artists contribute individual and abstract perspectives rooted in historical connections.”

Fishburne stated, “Forest Lawn has deep connections with the Armenian community—from the families we serve, to members of our staff, to visitors at the museum. We are excited to host this exhibition and showcase the art and visual culture of Armenians in Southern California and beyond.”

From bold experiments in abstraction to thought-provoking conceptual installations, the exhibition artists push the boundaries of traditional mediums and challenge artistic conventions. The vibrant paintings of Gagik Vardanyan, for example, have been shaped by his exposure to artistic communities around the world. Born in Yerevan, Armenia, he moved to Argentina in 1999, where he embraced the energy and the beauty of Buenos Aires. In 2018 he established residency in California, and his current body of work is inspired by the natural landscape and cultural diversity of the region.

Zadik Zadikian uses gold and plaster to create gilded brick-like structures that appear simultaneously modern and timeless, mathematical and sacred. Multidisciplinary artist Rouzanna Berberian investigates how technology reshapes modern culture by merging contemporary circuit patterns with indigenous art forms, such as Armenian rugs and textiles. Her work demonstrates how these seemingly disparate elements share the fundamental purpose of encoding and transmitting information.

The exhibition also features work by Martiros Adalian, Tina Chakarian, Aroussiak Gabrielian, Charles Garabedian, Sophia Gasparian, Liana Grigoryan, Kaloust Guedel, Charlie Hachadourian, Armineh Hovanesian, Alex Hedison, Narine Isajanyan, Gegam Kacherian, Farrah Karapetian, Nina Katchadourian, Bari Luis, Sossi Madzounian, Ara Mgrdichian, Alina Mnatsakanian, Hagop Najarian, Arshak Nazarian, Ara Oshagan, Larisa Safaryan, Aram Saroyan, She Loves Collective, Alysse Stepanian, Harry Vorperian, and Zareh, with new works by several artists.

A digital catalogue will be available as a free download from the exhibition webpage. There will be an exhibition opening reception on Saturday, March 21, from 5:00 PM–7:30 PM at Forest Lawn Museum, 1712 S. Glendale Avenue, Glendale, CA 91205. The event will feature complimentary drinks and hors d’oeuvres and a DJ set by Bei Ru (beirumusic.com). Bei Ru is an LA-based producer, composer, multi-instrumentalist, and vocalist. He was born in Los Angeles to Armenian parents who immigrated from Lebanon. The free, family-friendly event includes free parking, and is open to the public, ADA compliant, and wheelchair accessible.

Guests are invited to RSVP at museum@forestlawn.com, 323-340-4782, or the exhibition webpage: https://museum.forestlawn.com/pages/convergence-contemporary-artists-of-armenian-descent.

Image credits (left to right):
Zadik Zadikian, Path to Nine, 2026. Plaster and gold, 12.5 x 10 x 7 feet. Courtesy of the artist.
Rouzanna Berberian, Encoded Salt [detail], 2026. Salt on panel, 96 x 96 inches. Courtesy of the artist.

FREE DIGITAL ART GUIDE
Access a free digital art guide, which is available through Bloomberg Connects (https://www.bloombergconnects.org/). The guide features an in-depth look at dozens of artworks in the collection, archival photographs, informative descriptions, and more. Forest Lawn Museum joins other prestigious cultural institutions around the globe on Bloomberg Connects. The art guide makes Forest Lawn Museum’s art collection accessible for both onsite and offsite visits through interactive map features, high-quality photographs, and audio and video components. Bloomberg Connects is available for web browser at https://guides.bloombergconnects.org/en-US/guide/forestLawnMuseum or download the app from Google Play or the App Store.

HOURS & ADMISSION
Museum visiting hours: Tuesday–Sunday from 10:00 AM–5:00 PM

Hall of Crucifixion-Resurrection: Located next to Forest Lawn Museum, the Hall of Crucifixion-Resurrection showcases The Crucifixion (195 ft. x 45 ft.), which is the largest painting in the Western United States. It was painted by Polish artist Jan Styka in the 1890s. The building also houses The Resurrection (70 ft. x 51 ft.), which was painted by American artist Robert Clark in 1965. Visitors can view the newly revamped 18-minute, documentary-style audiovisual program, which includes a new video and narration that tell the history of two colossal paintings and the unique building that Forest Lawn created to house them. The audiovisual program runs Tuesday–Sunday on the hour (10 AM-4 PM, closed at 1 PM for lunch). Closed occasionally for special events. For more details about the Hall of Crucifixion-Resurrection, visit https://museum.forestlawn.com/pages/plan-your-visit-to-forest-lawn-museum.

Great Mausoleum visiting hours: Daily from 9:30 AM–4:15 PM.

Admission and parking to Forest Lawn Museum, the Hall of Crucifixion-Resurrection, and the Great Mausoleum are FREE.

For more information or to schedule a free group tour, please call 323-340-4782, email museum@forestlawn.com, or visit https://museum.forestlawn.com/.

Forest Lawn Museum is located at Forest Lawn-Glendale, 1712 S. Glendale Ave., Glendale, CA 91205. Please note, Forest Lawn Museum is located at the top of the hill within Forest Lawn-Glendale. Please follow Museum and/or event signage.

ABOUT FOREST LAWN MUSEUM
Forest Lawn Museum first opened in 1952 and is now comprised of three galleries and a gift shop. The renowned permanent collection of sculpture, painting, stained glass windows, mosaics, and architecture is spread across Forest Lawn’s six Southern California locations. Forest Lawn’s founder, Dr. Hubert Eaton, wrote in his Builder’s Creed that our park should be “a place where artists study and sketch; where school teachers bring happy children to see the things they read of in books.” In that spirit, selections of Forest Lawn Museum’s permanent collection of photographs, paintings, and bronze and marble sculptures are on display in the museum’s front gallery. Forest Lawn Museum typically dedicates two galleries to world-class rotating exhibits, which focus on topics ranging from aerial photography to puppetry to stained glass. Forest Lawn Museum is located adjacent to the Hall of Crucifixion-Resurrection, which houses The Crucifixion, a 195-ft. wide by 45-ft. high painting by Polish artist Jan Styka. Other notable pieces in Forest Lawn’s collection can be found in the Great Mausoleum, including the Last Supper stained glass window by artist Rosa Caselli-Moretti, the Poets’ Windows, and marble replicas of Michelangelo’s Moses and Pietà.