David Karamian Presents Book Armenia – The Lone Stone for TCA Metro Los Angeles Chapter

Karamian was born in Tehran and grew up in an Armenian family. He learned about Armenian history from a substitute teacher in second grade. Ever since Karamian was a child, he dreamt about visiting Armenia. Finally, in 2005, he visited his homeland. Feeling deeply touched by his experience, he photographed several churches, monasteries, and historical monuments and buildings. Karamian is a mechanical engineer with a passion for the arts. He uses his camera to capture the beauty of his homeland. By publishing his hardcover book, Karamian was able to thoughtfully weave his personal story with striking images of cultural treasures in his homeland. Storytelling is, after all, a form of art.

Karamian’s photographs match the mood of their respective settings. His pictures in Gyumri have dark gray tones. The white Ghazanchetsots Cathedral in Shushi is juxtaposed with a gray sky, and the photos of the paintings inside the church are in bold colors. Capturing the mountains and valleys in black-and-white has created intense texture, negative shapes, contrast, and lines. The Garni Temple is shot from different angles in black-and-white, emphasizing its architectural strength and beauty. One needs to look intently to notice them.

The book’s accompanying text is well-researched. It can serve as an academic study of the location or as an inspiration to travel. Each chapter starts with detailed information about the place, as well as the church, monument, or structure. Yerevan’s Matenadaran – the Mesrop Mashtots Research Institute of Ancient Manuscripts – is displayed with an initial photo of the building, while ensuing photographs show each statue, in detail, surrounding the museum. Karamian uses color for the photos of the Dadivank Monastery, Sardarapat Memorial, and Karahunj (Zorats Karer), which have brown, yellow, and orange hues juxtaposed with blue sky. The author/photographer is well aware of complementary colors in art.

During a brief question and answer session, Toumajan encouraged Karamian to contact Caucasus Heritage Watch (https://caucasusheritage.cornell.edu/) and share his photographs of churches, monasteries, museums and monuments taken while exploring Artsakh. Another member of the audience asked Karamian if his book was a combination of art and memoir. The author responded that while the preface of the book included his family’s history, he did not consider it a memoir. Karamian is currently working on a second volume of Armenia – The Lone Stone, in addition to a book highlighting his abstract photographs.

Armenia – The Lone Stone is a well-designed book. At first glance, it might seem overwhelming. By studying it mindfully, one can appreciate its value.