from a demolished artists’ enclave

In Armenia, everything is built from stone. It is a country of stone. Throughout its history, endless war and demolition have turned much of it to rubble. Firdusi Street has long served as a creative enclave—home to communities of artists and the worlds they create. In recent years, the street has been almost entirely demolished to make room for commercial developments. This house was the home, studio, and exhibition space to eight artists central to the local community. While Firdusi Street, along with its inhabitants and culture have been driven out by developers, we collect the last bits of rubble to hold on to its heart and soul.

Ani Shahverdyan in Yerevan