Armenians are amazing! Wherever they go, they create a unique and indescribable oasis around them and create a small Armenia where they live and create and manage to preserve their national image and identity at the same time. Of course, this is best manifested and is more clearly seen in the arts and culture. This kind of oasis has been created in the distant France by our compatriot, young and talented painter Vahagn Stepanyan, who showed that he is a simple and sincere young Armenian during an interview for Hayern Aysor.

Karine Avagyan: Vahagn, when and how did you find yourself in France?

Vahagn Stepanyan: I left Armenia and moved to France in 2006. One of my major goals was to be recognized abroad to a certain extent and present Armenian arts to foreigners.

Karine Avagyan: As I view your paintings, most of them portray Armenians and the patriotism of an Armenian artist. Is it the feeling of longing that makes you create paintings?

Vahagn Stepanyan: I create with longing, patriotism and the pride of being Armenian.

Karine Avagyan: Do you have a God-given talent, or did you inherit it?

Vahagn Stepanyan: There were no and there are no painters in my family, but there are good professionals and successful students. Each member of my family is gifted. Well, of course, I am thankful to God for giving me this talent, and I am definitely thankful to my parents who helped me become a painter. To this day, they get happy whenever I make an achievement.

Karine Avagyan: Can you remember the topic of your first painting? Who did you show it to? What was the reaction?

Vahagn Stepanyan: What especially impressed me was the day when my classmates and I participated in a chalk-drawing contest near the Opera House. I was in the 5^th or 6^th grade. You might remember those times when there would be inter-school competitions across the country. I had drawn Cinderella and Mount Ararat in the background. Many people thought it was strange at first. They would approach me and ask me questions. The teachers of Henrik Igityan School of Applied Arts approached me and gave me an invitation to study at the School. I always remember that day.

Karine Avagyan: When and where did you hold your first exhibition?

Vahagn Stepanyan: I held my first exhibition when I was going to school in Yerevan. It was either in 1991 or 1992. In 2001, I left Armenia and started organizing exhibitions abroad. In 2004, I was invited to hold exhibitions at the main theater in Zurich and later at the Nestle Research Institute in Lausanne. In 2006, I visited Valence where I met many artists and started holding exhibitions with the local Armenian Cultural Center. In 2007, my works were showcased in Lyon. To this day, my works are showcased in different cities across France.

Karine Avagyan: What prizes, orders, medals or awards have you received? Which of them is more precious for you?

Vahagn Stepanyan: I have many certificates of appreciation and certificates of gratitude. They are all precious for me because they are the fruit of my efforts.

Karine Avagyan: Do people in Armenia know you as a well-known and successful artist?

Vahagn Stepanyan: I don’t think so because I have been away from Armenia for a long time. However, I do have many artist friends.

Karine Avagyan: Will you return to the Homeland in the near future?

Vahagn Stepanyan: I have a great desire.

Karine Avagyan: Whom do you consider your mentor in the field of arts and the painter(s) of the world whose works have had an impact on you?

Vahagn Stepanyan: I love all the painters of the Renaissance, but my mentors are Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Raphael and Salvador Dali.

Karine Avagyan: I know you have met and interacted with our world famous Charles Aznavour. What role does he play in your life?

Vahagn Stepanyan: He is a great patriot. We all know how much Frenchmen and the whole world respect our compatriot. I had an opportunity to meet and get to know the great singer, the Great Person and worthy Armenian during the unveiling of Charles Grove in Valence. During the ceremony, I donated my painting of him. He got very happy and immediately told me to sign it so that it would be placed at his house-museum. I am very happy that some kind of souvenir was given to Charles Aznavour.

Karine Avagyan: There was an exhibition dedicated to the Centennial of the Armenian Genocide entitled “100 Addresses”, right? Where was it held? What were the reactions?

Vahagn Stepanyan: A large exhibition dedicated to the Centennial of the Armenian Genocide opened in Valence and there were several visitors, including mayors, Members of Parliament and Senators and sparked great reactions. During the event, I received a certificate of appreciation. A meeting was held, and one of my paintings was selected so that it would be printed in 2,000 copies in the envelopes to be released on the occasion of the Centennial of the Armenian Genocide. The Armenian Cultural Center of Valence hosted a grand event during which I donated the painting of Komitas that I had created on April 24^th.

Karine Avagyan: France was the first country that adopted a law on criminalization of denial of the Armenian Genocide, but there are many Muslims in various cities of that country. Doesn’t this pose a danger to the Armenians in that sense?

Vahagn Stepanyan: No! All citizens of France are in solidarity. In any case, they know our traits and try not to have any contact with the Armenians.

Karine Avagyan: Vahagn, what new and large-scale painting are you working on now?

Vahagn Stepanyan: I am currently working on a painting devoted to Napoleon and am getting ready for a new exhibition, which will be held soon.

Karine Avagyan: Well, let’s wish our talented compatriot success and hope to participate in his exhibition to be held in the Homeland in the near future.

Karine Avagyan