Queering Yerevan Collective publishes 2011 book documenting queer art activism in Armenia
In 2011, the Queering Yerevan Collective, comprised of female artists, writers, and performers from Yerevan and the Armenian diaspora, released 'Queered: What’s to be done with Xcentric art?' This bilingual, 336-page publication chronicles their artistic events since 2008 and delves into queer theory and identity politics within post-Soviet Armenia. Previously known as Women-Oriented-Women, the collective employs public performances to challenge patriarchal norms. Notable events include the 2009 performance 'im(war)ge' and the 2010 'Queering translation' in Yerevan. Contributions from members such as Arpi Adamyan and Angela Harutyunyan critique heteronormative frameworks. The book also includes works like the 2010 video 'Delicious Fruit' and engages with Judith Butler's theories to interrogate normative categories in a patriarchal society.
Key facts
- The book 'Queered: What’s to be done with Xcentric art?' was published in 2011 by the Queering Yerevan Collective.
- The collective is based in Yerevan, Armenia, and includes female artists, writers, performers, critics, and translators.
- The 336-page volume documents art events organized by the group since 2008, exploring queer theory and identity in post-Soviet contexts.
- It is written in both English and Armenian, with some pages left untranslated to create intimacy and resistance.
- Key events include the 2010 'Queering translation' intervention and the 2009 'im(war)ge' performance in Republic Square, Yerevan.
- The group changed its name from Women-Oriented-Women to Queering Yerevan, aiming to act against normative aspects of social reality.
- The book references Judith Butler's concepts and includes theoretical contributions from members like Angela Harutyunyan.
- Experimental works like the 2010 video 'Delicious Fruit' recontextualize Sergei Parajanov's 1969 film through a queer lens.
Entities
Artists
- Corina Oprea
- Arpi Adamyan
- Melissa Boyajian
- Angela Harutyunyan
- Judith Butler
- Sergei Parajanov
Institutions
- Queering Yerevan Collective
- ARTMargins Online
- National Gallery
- House of the Government
- Ministry of Finance
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs
- Chto Delat?
Locations
- Yerevan
- Armenia
- North America
- Central and Eastern Europe
- Moscow
- Republic Square