#Identity
The impact of digital content on Armenian identity formationand expression
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January 29, 2008
AGBU Sydney Showcases the Art & Design of Kevork Shadoyan
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Designer Kevork Shadoyan takes a bow after his November 3, 2007 fashion show at Sydney's AGBU Center. -
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Some of the local Australian Armenians models that took part in the Shadoyan fashion event, which attracted 300 attendees.
During November and December 2007, AGBU Sydney hosted Kevork Shadoyan for a series of seven events entitled "The Armenian Silk Road," which attracted over 1,200 attendees and showcased the fashion, art and ideas of an artist who predominantly uses silk as his medium of expression.
On November 3, local Armenians gathered for a fashion show at the AGBU Center by the Syrian-born designer who has received training at institutes in Beirut and Yerevan. No stranger to integrating traditional Armenian styles with a modern sensibility, Shadoyan regularly shows his creations in Armenia and his clothes are featured in various Yerevan boutiques. The audience was impressed with his contemporary creations that made them aware of a new breed of Armenian fashion.
Almost two weeks later, on November 16, the city's Armenian community gathered for another display of talent from the 33-year-old artist. Shadoyan's unique artwork, which colors, paints and collages silk, was inspiring to those who attended.
Beginning with a cocktail reception, the exhibition was inaugurated with short speeches by a number of community leaders, including Mistress of Ceremonies Nora Bastajian; Most Reverend Krikor Youmoushakian, Pastor of the Armenian Evangelical Church in Sydney; Hon. Gladys Berejiklian, NSW Parliamentarian; and Aram Hagopian, Sydney Chapter vice-chair. The three-day exhibition attracted over 300 guests to the AGBU Center.
On November 23, 24 and 28, Shadoyan visited the city's AGBU Alexander Day School, AGBU Alex Manoogian Saturday School, and St. Gregory Armenian Catholic School to lead workshops with the students and educate them about the beauty of silk.
In December, the "Armenian Silk Road" series continued with a lecture on Wednesday, December 12, to over a hundred guests, and a second fashion show on December 15 that attracted over 250 local Australian Armenians.
AGBU Sydney is dedicated to preserving and promoting the Armenian heritage and identity through humanitarian, educational and cultural programs. For more information on AGBU Sydney, please email admin@agbu.org.au or visit www.agbu.org.au.
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