Posthumous Mask of Aram Khachaturian Arrives in Yerevan

Visitors to the Aram Khachaturian house-museum can now view the posthumous mask of the renowned composer, created by sculptor and people’s artist Nikoghayos Nikoghosyan. The mask was brought from Moscow to Yerevan by Nikoghosyan's daughter, Gayane Nikoghosyan, who also participated in the ceremonial presentation.

Composer Aram Khachaturian and sculptor-painter Nikoghayos Nikoghosyan were close friends for many years. Upon receiving the news of his dear friend’s passing, Nikoghosyan deemed it his duty to create the composer’s posthumous mask.

Speaking about the material and weight of the sculpture, Gayane Nikoghosyan said, “The mask is made of gypsum; my father made it with his own hands, it is an original work. It’s not too heavy; I brought it myself and managed to transport it easily. The mask weighs approximately 3.5 to 4 kilograms.”

Arpine Grigoryan, director of the Aram Khachaturian house-museum, stated in an interview with “Haykakan Jamanak” that the arrival of Khachaturian’s mask was an occasion for her trip to Moscow. “The trio named after Aram Khachaturian performed at the concert hall of the ‘Nico’ art gallery, directed by Nikoghosyan's daughter, Gayane Nikoghosyan. I took the opportunity and asked that the mask be brought to Yerevan. We quickly reached an agreement, which I am very happy about,” she noted.

According to Arpine Grigoryan, the arrangement to transport the mask was made back in February 2020, but was postponed due to the pandemic, and it has now finally arrived in Yerevan.