By Karine Armen
Special to the Mirror-Spectator
LOS ANGELES — On Thursday, May 2, the Korean Cultural Center, Los Angeles, hosted “Divergent Synthesis,” a significant multicultural, juried art exhibition held in collaboration with the LAUNCH LA Gallery. Judged by Dr. Virginia Moon, the associate curator of Korean Art at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA), and Peter Frank, associate editor for Visual Art Source, the competition showcased a myriad of artistic expressions.
One captivating piece among the exhibiting artists was Diane Holland’s unique collage titled “Culture Alive: Homage to Joan Agajanian Quinn.” This artwork, a fusion of a map of Armenia and the vibrant hues of its flag, was printed on Kodak Endura metallic paper and measured 33 x 25 1/2 inches, inviting viewers to delve into its depth and complexity.
Holland, a distinguished American artist, shares a longstanding friendship with Joan Agajanian Quinn. Her illustrious portfolio, spanning exhibitions in Armenia, France and Japan, is a testament to her global recognition and artistic prowess across traditional mediums and digital collages. Her collages were even featured in the 1997 publication Amari Marbu, with text penned by the renowned art critic, judge, curator, and writer Peter Frank, inspiring artists worldwide.
Quinn is a major art collector and supporter. On her YouTube channel, “Joan Quinn Profiles,” she conducts insightful interviews with a diverse array of artists and actors. Notable figures like Lucas Reiner and Astrid Preston count among those who have painted her.
