Haig Aivazian: Illuminating Power Structures Through Light
Beirut-based artist Haig Aivazian explores light's dual role as surveillance tool and source of wonder. His multidisciplinary practice spans sculpture, animation, performance, and installation, often critiquing power dynamics. Aivazian's work examines historical blackouts, police curfews, and the use of public lighting for mass surveillance. At Chicago's Renaissance Society (2021), he presented 'All of The Lights,' featuring floodlights, film projections, and wall drawings. His animation 'You May Own the Lanterns, but We Have the Light' (2022) continues his exploration of luminescence. Aivazian also dissects sports as soft power, referencing Zinedine Zidane's 2006 World Cup headbutt in his video essay 'How Great You Are, O Son of the Desert!' (2013). Living in Beirut amid power cuts from the 2020 blast, he contrasts neoliberal cities' excessive illumination with his own reality. He recently completed a PhD at Leiden University on collective cartoon production. Upcoming work focuses on darkness, night, and desire.
Key facts
- Haig Aivazian is a Lebanese artist based in Beirut.
- His practice includes drawing, animation, sculpture, performance, and installation.
- He studied and resided in the USA before moving to Beirut.
- Aivazian's work references the 1961 Paris curfews targeting Algerians.
- He exhibited 'All of The Lights' at the Renaissance Society in Chicago in 2021.
- His animation 'You May Own the Lanterns, but We Have the Light' (2022) is a multi-part black-and-white cartoon series.
- He created a video essay about Zinedine Zidane's headbutt in the 2006 World Cup final.
- Aivazian is pursuing a PhD at Leiden University in the Netherlands.
- He works with manufacturers from different parts of the world.
- His sculpture 'Rome is not in Rome' (2016) was made with craftspeople in Marrakech.
Entities
Artists
- Haig Aivazian
- Zinedine Zidane
- Marco Materazzi
Institutions
- Canvas
- SFMOMA
- Renaissance Society
- Leiden University
Locations
- Beirut
- Lebanon
- Paris
- France
- Chicago
- Windy City
- USA
- Marrakech
- Netherlands