Interview: Lilit Nshani Margaryan
Luca Curci talks with Lilit Nshani Margaryan during ROME INTERNATIONAL ART FAIR 2022, at Medina Art Gallery.

Contemporary artist, and internationally announced founder of Oriental Neo – Symbolism aiming to touch minds, souls, and bodies. Endlessly in love with cultural heritage and nature, I present my art through the prism of cultural elements and sacral symbolism through Oriental Neo – Symbolism and Symbolism, which is a prism inherited from the Godlike people who once lived in the Armenian highlands. Observation-based artworks tell stories about nature, the human being as part of it, and behavior-centric scenarios as ax of harmony and sacral truths of the Universe. I strongly believe that humans need to live in balance with nature and with big respect towards every element of it. I use my art to translate nature and heritage by putting them into harmony with the inner vibrations.

Luca Curci – What is art for you?
Lilit Nshani Margaryan – From the very childhood, I saw art as something unavoidable. I remember myself as a child being sure that painting and drawing is a natural skills for everyone just like talking, smelling, and seeing. As I grew up and matured as an artist, as a woman, and as a personality, I realized that art is my mission, my batter field.

LC – What are your thoughts while you paint? Do you have any habits or rituals while you work?
LNM – I usually leave my mind to wander the space and parallel realities while painting. As a ritual, I would mention the music. I always have the music on while painting. Call it a habit or a manner, every artwork I create has been created during one single session. If I leave the easer undone, the canvas is spoiled.

LC – Did your style change over the years? In which way?
LNM – Recently my art was recognized and announced as a new art movement by a famous French art historian and art expert, author of multiple art books Patrick Quenum. He called this new art movement “Oriental Neo – symbolism” referring to the rich ethnical symbolism present in my recent artworks. The artwork “Dive in dive out” which was presented at Rome Artfair, belongs to that art style. However, back to your initial question, “Oriental Neo-Symbolism” has been born as a result of my artistic transformations from academic graphics to classic Symbolism, then landscape art in contemporary impressionism yet with symbolic touch and narratives, and finally to Oriental Neo-Symbolism.

LC – Do you use art to express something in particular? Is it your medium of expression?
LNM – Absolutely yes. My art is a celebration of cultural heritage, sacral vibes, and tribal energies through landscapes, figurative art, and ethical Armenian symbolism. I present my art through the prism of cultural elements and sacral symbolism. Observation-based artworks tell stories about nature, the human being as part of it, and behavior-centric scenarios as ax of harmony and sacral truths of the Universe. This makes my art so emotional, honest, and deep.

LC – How do you feel when you see your work completed?
LNM – Strange feeling similar to meeting your child for the first time. I realize that I have given birth to this art and yet it does not belong to me from the moment I sign it. From now on, the art belongs to the world, although I am the author of it. Just like women gave birth to another person and presented it to the world with the unconditional love and care of the author and zero level of ownership. There are many parallels between being a mother and being an artist. The emotional vibes are very identical.

LC – What is the message linked to the artwork you have shown at this event? How is it connected to the theme of the entire exhibition?
LNM – The artwork of the event is called “Dive in dive out”. It is the manifest artwork of “Oriental Neo – symbolism”. This artwork celebrates the courage to look inside and find yourself guided by the tribal voices and heritage. It is the act of seeing yourself as part of the Universe. I hope to inspire everyone who will look at it.

LC – We were attracted by your last artistic production, has the artwork presented been created for the exhibition or as a part of preexisting works?
LNM – My artworks are always the results of inner calls. However, since the very first day of discovering the Itsliquid group back in 2020, I wanted to participate in something special. When this artwork was ready I realized that it is the best jewel to send to the Itsliquid exhibition.

LC – What is your idea about ITSLIQUID Group?
LNM – I find it to be an amazing opportunity. I am happy to witness the progress of the company and the new great projects announced in Italy and abroad. Hope this was not the only time we collaborate.

LC – Do you think ITSLIQUID GROUP can represent an opportunity for artists?
LNM – Of course. I think every artist interested in explosion and recognition in Europe needs to consider collaboration with Itsliquid. Before signing up for the exhibition, I asked artists who already participated in previous events. Their positive reviews encouraged me to participate myself too. I would definitely recommend Itsliquid to artists and will continue collaborating too.

LC – Did you enjoy cooperating with us?
LNM – Yes. Despite the obstacles I faced which had created barriers based on the hard times we are living in, the difficulties in logistics and traveling were caused first by Covid19 restrictions and later by the Russia-Ukraine escalation, ITSLIQUID manager was extremely caring and tried to facilitate the processes as much as possible. I am extremely thankful to her and to ITSLIQUID Group for the assistance and help.