Acclaimed Photographers, Ted & Nune, Discuss New Collection in RiverArts’ Artist Conversations Series – Saturday, October, 14
RiverArts is thrilled to present a conversation with Ted Andreasian and Nune Karamyan, led by artist and expert art restorer, Katerina Spilio. Ted and Nune discuss their new book, Stone and Candle: Armenian Monasteries—the epic journey into the mountains of Armenia, unpack the deeper meanings of the book’s title, the inspiration for the trip, and the power of connecting to the past while shaping a creative path into the future. The Artists Conversation series is curated and produced by Marie Louise-Miller.
Date – Saturday, October 14
Venue – Ted and Nune Studio; 45 Main Street, Store B, Hastings-On-Hudson
Time – 5:30-6:30pm
Tickets – $10; tickets can be purchased at https://riverarts.wufoo.com/forms/inspiration-fuel-identity-artist-conversation/
Stone and Candle: Armenian Monasteries is a collection of images that pays homage to Armenian nature and the magnificent churches ingeniously assembled over centuries. Within the book’s pages, Ted and Nune’s work captures the profound play between human artistry and its surrounding natural environment. The images weave a narrative conveying the intrinsic connection between human creativity and the sacred architectural marvels of Christian heritage.
This long-term photographic project covers 40 monastic structures from across Armenia—with several in the disputed territory of Artsakh and majority dating from the 4th to 13th centuries. This collection is an ode to the Armenian landscape and the Christian architectural creations skillfully brought out of the rocks and assembled over centuries to set their mark. This project explores the theme of integrity between man’s artistry and the natural environment, provoking feelings of peace, gentleness, tenderness, harmony, and melancholy. Producer of the Artists Conversation series, Marie Louise-Miller states, “I’m very excited to hear the interplay between Ted & Nune and Katarina as they peel back the inspirations for creating and reimaging icons and their deeper meanings for us all in these days of rapid change and cancellation.”
This Artist Conversation is led by Katerina Spilio, an expert in Byzantine icon restoration and well-versed in sacred art history. Regarding Ted and Nunes work, she shares, “I think what is very interesting is that they have photographed the exterior of these churches that were in such solitary places, so remote, very much like I am when I paint, or anyone is when they need to find meaning. They look harsh on the outside sometimes. But when you go inside, there is a gem of history, almost like a geode.”
Armenia holds personal and generational memories for Ted and Nune that can be felt through this collection as they take an intergenerational step to the roots of their identities. Ted’s ancestors fled the 1890s pogroms and the 1914 Genocide to come to the US, Nune was raised in the Armenian SSR. Both were brought up with a strong sense of Armenian culture and history. Ted and Nune shares, “Our spirits are rejuvenated with each trip to Armenia. That we belong to an ancient culture is a valuable personal insight that moves us forward on our journey together. We can’t wait to go back and hope we can share some of that excitement with others.”
About the Artists:
Ted and Nune are a photographic team who seek inspiration and a spiritual dimension in the man-made world. They journey to discover monumental human constructions for studies of architecture and industry, bringing a joint male-female point of view to their shared vision. Both photograph, edit, and print—they do not sign works individually. Since 2015, their collaboration has produced several internationally recognized long-term projects. Their work is held in many private collections and has been exhibited in many countries around the world.
Since 1987, Katerina Spilio has worked for and later led Byzantine Icons Studio/Byzantium Arts Studio, where she has crafted icons ranging from a sixteen-foot Last Supper to delicate miniatures measuring five inches across. Spilio grew up in her father’s studio, training in the style of Greek iconographer, Fotis Kontoglou. Her religious artworks find homes in churches and private collections across the United States. Beyond her religious works, Spilio’s secular work adorns private collections in the United States, England, and Greece. In addition to running her own business, she is also a scenic artist for film and television.
About the Artist Conversation Series:
RiverArts creates opportunities to amplify the artistic voice, bringing insight and delight to our community. We are proud to spotlight leading voices in art, music, poetry, dance, and theater.
Under the direction of Marie Louise-Miller, our Artist Conversation series offers a chance to get up close and personal with artists. The Artist Conversation Series aims to shed light on the intricacies of creativity across all its artistic mediums from the fine artist to the performance artist.
About RiverArts
RiverArts inspires Hudson River communities in lower Westchester County to come together through art. RiverArts’ year-round season of events and programming includes our two signature free, multi-village artists’ Studio Tour and Music Tour; an annual dance concert; a three-part Chamber Music series; theater performances; and smaller community events such as Drink & Draw, Salon Sundays, Swing Dance night, artist conversations and pop-up concerts; plus Music Education and its SummerArts camp for kids of all ages.
For 60 years, RiverArts has been the catalyst that connects performers, musicians, and art-makers with Rivertowns audiences. We believe in the power of art to express, transform, and bring joy to our lives and our community.
Please visit RiverArts on-line to read more about its mission, core values and programming calendar.
