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DAGDIGIAN EXPOSES ARMENIA'S SELDOM SEEN PHOTOGRAPHY
By Tom Vartabedian on February 9, 2015
LOWELL, Mass.--In his quest to unveil Armenia's hidden treasures with
his camera and text, Joe Dagdigian is his very own GPS guide.
More than once or twice, he has passed the village of Bash Aparan
en route to another destination. He'll often stop and pay tribute to
General Dro Kanayan, who is buried there. A huge memorial is visible
from the highway, catching your eye.
Armenians gather on May 28 to celebrate Independence Day at the Bash
Aparan memorial where General Dro Kanayan directed Armenia's defense
forces. (Joe Dagdigian Photo)
There's something very intimate here, especially with General Kanayan's
son Mardik. The two spent their younger days as AYF members, attended
conventions together, and gathered at many a social interlude. The
respect they had for one another goes without saying.
Last May 28, Dagdigian had his camera in overdrive as he captured
reflective scenes of an Independence Day celebration taking place at
the monument, marking the site when General Kanayan led the defense
of Bash Aparan.
"The celebration started in the town of Aparan with a parade to the
memorial," reflected Dagdigian. "The music, dancing, and homage paid
that day left an indelible imprint."
Dagdigian will share his images and commentary in a program on Sat.,
Feb. 21, titled "Seldom Visited Armenia," beginning at 6 p.m. at the
Armenian Relief Society (ARS) Community Center, at 142 Liberty St.,
Lowell.
The program is being sponsored by the Lowell "Aharonian" Gomideh in
conjunction with the 94th anniversary of the Feb. 18 Revolt against
the Soviets in 1921.
In this illustrated presentation, Dagdigian will take viewers along
the remote areas of Armenia, including ancient Bronze Age ruins and
monasteries--places quite difficult to access.
You will visit the gravesite of "Khent," the character of Raffi's
famous novel by the same name, who happens to be buried near
Etchmiadzin.
"Although Khent was fiction, the character was not," Dagdigian
explains. "The country is full of amazing places that only have to
be seen to be appreciated. Not a year goes by when I don't embark
upon a new trail to be shared through pictures and stories."
Included in his talk are interactions with visitors and encounters
in the homes of total strangers ready to serve up their hospitality
for a smile. Accompanying him on many of these junkets is his wife
Lisa. The two share a home in Yerevan.
Much of it also has to do with their charity work with orphanages
and hospitals. Dagdigian's work with the Cosmic Ray Division over
the years remains exemplary, resulting in thousands of dollars raised
for that cause.
He's been honored for his work as a 50-year member of the ARF
and served as past chairman of the Armenian National Committee of
Merrimack Valley.
Dinner begins at 6 p.m., followed by the program. Admission is $20
for adults and $10 for students.
http://armenianweekly.com/2015/02/09/dagdigian-photography/
By Tom Vartabedian on February 9, 2015
LOWELL, Mass.--In his quest to unveil Armenia's hidden treasures with
his camera and text, Joe Dagdigian is his very own GPS guide.
More than once or twice, he has passed the village of Bash Aparan
en route to another destination. He'll often stop and pay tribute to
General Dro Kanayan, who is buried there. A huge memorial is visible
from the highway, catching your eye.
Armenians gather on May 28 to celebrate Independence Day at the Bash
Aparan memorial where General Dro Kanayan directed Armenia's defense
forces. (Joe Dagdigian Photo)
There's something very intimate here, especially with General Kanayan's
son Mardik. The two spent their younger days as AYF members, attended
conventions together, and gathered at many a social interlude. The
respect they had for one another goes without saying.
Last May 28, Dagdigian had his camera in overdrive as he captured
reflective scenes of an Independence Day celebration taking place at
the monument, marking the site when General Kanayan led the defense
of Bash Aparan.
"The celebration started in the town of Aparan with a parade to the
memorial," reflected Dagdigian. "The music, dancing, and homage paid
that day left an indelible imprint."
Dagdigian will share his images and commentary in a program on Sat.,
Feb. 21, titled "Seldom Visited Armenia," beginning at 6 p.m. at the
Armenian Relief Society (ARS) Community Center, at 142 Liberty St.,
Lowell.
The program is being sponsored by the Lowell "Aharonian" Gomideh in
conjunction with the 94th anniversary of the Feb. 18 Revolt against
the Soviets in 1921.
In this illustrated presentation, Dagdigian will take viewers along
the remote areas of Armenia, including ancient Bronze Age ruins and
monasteries--places quite difficult to access.
You will visit the gravesite of "Khent," the character of Raffi's
famous novel by the same name, who happens to be buried near
Etchmiadzin.
"Although Khent was fiction, the character was not," Dagdigian
explains. "The country is full of amazing places that only have to
be seen to be appreciated. Not a year goes by when I don't embark
upon a new trail to be shared through pictures and stories."
Included in his talk are interactions with visitors and encounters
in the homes of total strangers ready to serve up their hospitality
for a smile. Accompanying him on many of these junkets is his wife
Lisa. The two share a home in Yerevan.
Much of it also has to do with their charity work with orphanages
and hospitals. Dagdigian's work with the Cosmic Ray Division over
the years remains exemplary, resulting in thousands of dollars raised
for that cause.
He's been honored for his work as a 50-year member of the ARF
and served as past chairman of the Armenian National Committee of
Merrimack Valley.
Dinner begins at 6 p.m., followed by the program. Admission is $20
for adults and $10 for students.
http://armenianweekly.com/2015/02/09/dagdigian-photography/