The Gallery of Mariam and Eranuhi Aslamazyan, Gyumri, Armenia

This museum, in Armenia’s north-western town of Gyumri, near the border with Georgia, is an absolute treasure trove, and not to be missed if you visit Armenia. Born near Gyumri in the early years of the 20th century, Mariam and Eranuhi trained at the Alexandrapol Painting School, before going on to become two of the most influential Armenian artists of the century. Not only did they challenge stereotypes of women in their work, by endowing their female figures with agency and determination, but they also broke the mould by traveling, and working, in Africa, India, China, America and beyond. In doing so, they both helped establish Armenia's modern artistic identity and challenged the gender norms of their era. Their work is bold, expressive and full of colour and vitality, with each canvas telling a story; whether it’s of Yazidi women, a Russian coal miner or a vibrant still life.

Of the hundreds of works of art on display at this wonderful museum (founded by the sisters in 1987) one of our favourites is the Kurdish Girl from Artashat, painted by Mariam in 1948. Wanting to make visible the lives of Armenia’s ethnic minorities, Mariam frequently painted Yazidi and Kurdish women, bringing their stories to life. Aren’t the colours beautiful?

If you’d like to visit Gyumri, and feast your eyes on the art of these exceptional women, why not visit the museum as part of a tailor-made journey to Armenia? To start planning your tailor-made journey, contact us here.