Narine Arakelian was the artist showcased at The Creator’s Gala, presented by Swagger Magazine during this year’s Art Week in Miami. The red-carpet event was co-hosted by actor Jimmy Akingbola from the television show Bel-Air and influencer Cindy Prado, both of whom brought glitz and glamour to the elegant evening. However, the art collectors in attendance were captivated by Arakelian’s art installation, titled “Metamorphosis of Aphrodite Stone”, which was visually the central focus of the event.
But who is Narine Arakelian? For those who don’t already know her, she is the Armenian-born artist who has captivated audiences globally, is a fascinating blend of creative fearlessness, technological curiosity, and deep cultural awareness. Known for her fusion of traditional motifs with modern technology, her groundbreaking performances, and her commitment to feminist ideals, Arakelian has emerged as a profound voice in contemporary art. From “Cast Iron Pots and Pans,” a stirring homage to women’s resilience, to her innovative AI-curated exhibitions, Arakelian’s work reverberates with themes that challenge societal norms and celebrate the enduring strength of human experience.
Reflecting on her journey as an artist, Arakelian shares that her artistic calling began with two pivotal childhood moments. The first occurred when she was at sea with her mother, and a sudden wave overwhelmed her. “A sudden wave swept over me, and for a brief moment, I experienced the overwhelming sensation of drowning,” she recalls, describing how this near-drowning left her acutely aware of life’s fragility. The second defining moment took place at a friend’s birthday party, where she encountered a lifelike portrait created by the host’s mother. “The striking beauty and lifelike resemblance of the portrait astounded me, igniting a deep desire to explore and interpret reality through art,” she says. From that point on, Arakelian was determined to devote herself to artistic expression, seeking to examine existence’s complexities and the transient nature of life.
Arakelian’s art stands out for its seamless integration of physical and digital realms, a hybrid approach she calls “figital” art. By blending these elements, she creates immersive experiences that foster a conversation about the interconnected nature of human existence. “I believe that digital reality has become an integral part of our everyday lives, seamlessly intertwined with the physical world,” she says. This vision is vividly realized in her recent AI-curated exhibitions, which not only explore themes of multidimensionality but also encourage active audience participation. Arakelian sees this fusion as a means to challenge the boundaries of traditional art forms, saying, “By blending these elements, I aim to foster a dialogue about our increasingly interconnected existence, inviting viewers to consider how technology can enhance, rather than detract from, their experience of art.”
One of her most compelling works, “Cast Iron Pots and Pans,” showcases her dedication to exploring themes of social justice. The performance honors the women who stood at the forefront of Armenia’s Velvet Revolution, wielding household items as symbols of solidarity and resistance. Arakelian explains her motivations behind this tribute: “My motivations are deeply rooted not only in my personal experiences but also in the poignant narratives of others who face injustices.” She was especially inspired by “the courageous women who participated in the Velvet Revolution,” recognizing that “the materials I chose—cast iron pots and pans—carry historical weight, often associated with durability and domestic labor, traditionally aligned with women’s roles.” This powerful performance merged the Armenian cultural legacy with the Venetian landscape, resonating through Venice as a testament to the strength of women in the face of societal oppression.
Themes of love, freedom, and societal expectations also find expression in Arakelian’s performance piece, “L’Illusion du Marriage.” By staging a wedding performance in Venice that defied conventional definitions of marriage, Arakelian aimed to provoke thought on the interplay between love and bureaucracy. “In contemporary society, the concept of love often becomes entangled with legal frameworks, creating a complex relationship between the two,” she explains. The performance, which included symbolic representations of diverse forms of love, underscored her belief that true love exists beyond societal labels. “This act was not merely about the union of two individuals but a larger commentary on how love can flourish outside the confines of legal and societal structures,” she adds.
In addition to her performance art, Arakelian’s approach to curation also reflects her innovative mindset. Incorporating AI into her curation process, she pushes the boundaries of how art can be presented and experienced. “Integrating AI into my curation process has revolutionized my approach to presenting art, allowing me to explore connections and patterns that might elude the human eye,” she says. Through AI, she crafts exhibitions that are more dynamic and inclusive, offering a futuristic perspective that complements traditional curation. This willingness to merge art with technology speaks to her vision of a non-platonic, boundaryless future where digital and physical worlds unite seamlessly. “Art today is becoming increasingly non-platonic; it allows ideas to materialize immediately,” she notes, envisioning a world where technology serves as an extension of creativity.
Arakelian’s work is also deeply informed by myth and nature, as seen in her exhibition “Metamorphosis of Aphrodite’s Stones.” Drawing from Greek mythology, the series explores themes of femininity, transformation, and empowerment. “Myths and nature serve as profound wells of inspiration, resonating with universal human narratives,” she says. Arakelian is especially drawn to the legend of Aphrodite’s birth from sea foam, a symbol of emergence and rebirth that mirrors the transformative essence of womanhood. “Nature acts as a grounding force, reminding us of life’s cycles of change and regeneration,” she adds, underscoring her belief in the power of timeless stories to connect with contemporary realities.
Her career-defining moment came at Art Basel Miami 2021 when she controversially offered one of her eggs as an NFT, pushing the boundaries of how personal narratives intersect with technology. “By selling one of my eggs as an NFT at Art Basel Miami, I aimed to make a bold, personal statement that pushes the boundaries of both art and technology,” she explains. Through this act, she not only questions societal perceptions of femininity and motherhood but also initiates a broader conversation on how technology can reshape concepts of identity, ownership, and value. This daring endeavor, she believes, could create “a cultural shift that envisions a freer human experience—one where individuals can share even the most intimate aspects of themselves.”
Fashion, too, is woven into Arakelian’s artistic narrative, adding layers of meaning to her performances. “Fashion is a modern art form and a universal method of self-expression, reflecting inner states and carrying deep layers of meaning,” she says. Her carefully chosen costumes amplify her storytelling, turning each piece into an immersive sensory experience that draws viewers into her narrative. From fabrics to patterns, each element is deliberate, aiming to capture the theme and emotion central to her work.
Arakelian’s advice to aspiring female artists is simple yet profound: “Stay true to yourself, never doubt your inspiration or your capabilities.” She believes that women have a unique ability to draw inspiration from all aspects of life, embracing femininity as a powerful source of creativity. Arakelian emphasizes the importance of authenticity and courage, reminding artists to let their unique voices and visions shine through their work.
Narine Arakelian’s artistic journey reflects her bold vision, rooted in cultural heritage yet daringly experimental. Whether merging technology with traditional art forms, celebrating feminist ideals, or challenging societal norms, Arakelian’s work is a testament to her fearless exploration of art’s transformative potential. Through her creative endeavors, she invites us to question, reflect, and connect with the world around us in profoundly new ways.
Credits:
Image: Narine Arakelian
Byline: Tom White