The 'Walking Man' to Be Installed in Yerevan: Arto Chakmakchian's Dream Fulfilled Posthumously

The dream of renowned sculptor Arto Chakmakchian to have a sculpture in Yerevan will come true on Independence Day. On September 21, the sculpture 'Walking Man' by the famous sculptor Arto Chakmakchian will be unveiled in the area adjacent to Abovyan Street on Northern Avenue.

This information was shared with Sputnik Armenia by Astghik Marabyan, head of the Department of Cultural Heritage and Folk Crafts at the Ministry of Education, Science, Culture, and Sport.

Back on December 16, 2019, during an extraordinary session of the Yerevan Council, it was decided that Arto Chakmakchian's 'Walking Man' would be placed in the area adjacent to Abovyan Street on Northern Avenue.

“The sculpting work was completed last year within the set deadlines. However, considering the events of the previous year, including the coronavirus pandemic and the war, the installation was postponed,” Marabyan stated.

According to her, final works are currently in progress, and the installation of the sculpture is expected to be completed in time for the Independence Day celebrations.

The state allocated 37 million dram for the casting of the sculpture. The 'Walking Man' sculpture will be made of bronze and will stand 3.8 meters tall, cast by sculptor Mkrtich Mazmanyan. Chakmakchian's family has given their consent, and the copyright is protected.

Marabyan also mentioned that Arto Chakmakchian’s wife, Mrs. Nairi, is currently in Armenia and will attend the opening ceremony if possible.

It is noteworthy that Arto Chakmakchian’s works are installed in squares and museums in various cities around the world. He always dreamed of having one of his creations in Yerevan. In the early 2000s, he was promised that the 'Walking Man' would be placed on Northern Avenue.

Let us recall that 86-year-old Chakmakchian passed away on October 1, 2019.