Visiting Art Museum in Yerevan

Now when we know that less in one month we will leave Armenia we want to explore the country as much as we can. Last weekend was a long one, and initially we were planning to to go to the countryside, but since the weather gave as a really nasty surprise, we had to stay in the city. So we decided to visit the famous “Cascade” complex, which accommodates the Cafesjian Museum of Art. It looks like a giant stairway which leads up to the mountain. “Inside” the mountain is located Art museum and it is also made in the form of staircase, where showpieces are located on its steps.  Here is how the New York Times describes this building: “a mad work of architectural megalomania and architectural recovery, one of the strangest and most spectacular museum buildings to open in ages.” 

I love visiting art museums and exhibitions. Looking at “fruits of creativity” of other people makes my own creativity operate with increased speed. I actually believe it has something to do with contagiousness of this phenomenon. Thus, being among people with innovative thinking, makes me think differently as well.

The thing which absolutely thrilled me was the famous exhibition of Swarovski light sculptures, called “Crystal Palace Collection”. It has totally changed my perception of what the lighting can be. The central position without doubt took so called Light Socks, designed by architects from New York Diller Scofidio + Renfro. Basically it is a simple mesh bag suspended from the ceiling and filled with Swarovski crystals. The source of light is invisible which makes you think that it is radiated by crystals themselves:

The next light sculpture resembled a huge piece of ice floating in the air:

This pendant is called “Glitterbox” and it is from the same range as the previous one but made in horizontal shape. The composition is made of square-shaped crystals lit by a LED cord from inside:

Spectacular “Cascade” chandelier created by Vincent Van Duysen looks like a powerful jet of water, that turns into million of tiny splashes once it reaches the floor:

I have always believed that Nature is the main artist in the universe. Humans can only interpret, modify and copy its amazing creations. For example, these stunning chandeliers look like tree branches covered with blooming flowers. Actually, the name of this light pendant is “Blossom” and it was created by wonderful designer Tord Boontje’:

The last pendant presented is called “Tulsa” and was created by Michael Anastassiades, who again was looking for inspiration from mother-nature and got it from the shape of such destructive phenomenons as tornado and maelstrom:

Apart from amazing exhibition from Swarovski, Cascade featured several other very interesting design objects. Below are some of my favourites.

This armchair which actually looks like a sitting woman:

Several seats inspired by the shape of lips:

Another reinterpretation of Dali’s famous Mae West Lips Sofa:

And finally this open mouth chair:

Some more inspiration from human body:

And apple – full and half eaten:

Chair made from tree roots:

And table supported by marine helm:

The exhibition featured not only furniture and lighting but some interesting installations and sculptures as well.  For example this beautiful flower made of gorgeous mosaics:

Or this “Tatoo man”:

 

The showcase continues outdoors as well:

Feeling very inspired, and you?