The Stuff of Thought: A Talk on Arshile Gorky’s Image in Khorkom

"My recollections of Armenia open new visions for me. My art is therefore a growth art where forms, pines, shapes, memories of Armenia germinate, breathe, expand and contract, multiply and thereby create new paths for exploration." ­- Arshille Gorky

Born Vostanik Manoug Adoian in the village of Khokorm near Lake Van in the Ottoman Empire, Arshile Gorky (c. 1902 – 1948) was one of the most influential painters of the 20th century. The land of his birth—as well as the loss and suffering experienced in it—found its way into an extraordinary body of work. One such painting, Image in Khokorm, is now on view in the Kreeger galleries. Join us for a spirited talk on this piece and what it says about the place, longing, and creativity led by museum docent Irene Abrahamian. The afternoon will include light refreshments and composer, pianist, and vocalist Levon Mikayelyan will share a short program of pieces inspired by the painting. Presented in association with Armenia: Creating Home, a program of the 2018 Smithsonian Folklife Festival, which opens June 27 on the National Mall.

The free 2018 Smithsonian Folklife Festival takes place June 27 to July 1 and July 4 to 8 on the National Mall between 12th and 14th streets. This year’s event features the cultural traditions of Armenia and Catalonia. Visitors can participate in craft activities, enjoy music and dance performances, shop in the Marketplace, try food and wine from both regions, and much more.