VERAZNUNT (La rinascita)
by Maria Ines Abramian

Going back to the starting point at the research work you developed about movement and archive photographs we join the “technological-moment” that hypnotize picture main caracthers while waiting for the camera shooting. But this time, your video goes further on.
The study you went through is excellent as far as it allowed you to learn about the history of an unknown civilization giving you the chance to manage a deep interpretation criteria to apply in this argument of the true Armenian nature. The data processing is product of a fine geniality if we think of the little time you had to develop the subject.
An exceptional photography due to its size and type, has been enough to let you understand about antropomorphical typologies that worry you and stimulate to investigate about human identity. The choral ambience the image offers doesn’t approach to any genetic mutation or physical diversity, but to the identity of a group. Group in terms of beliefs and culture.
Your soft, moderate expression of the violent and tragic events of the genocide presented through red stains shadowing the title, talk about a repairing mood that is coincident with our positive vision about a peaceful future between both countries. Overcoming without forgetting, give value to the real foundations, look at the unquestionable truth, not loose the own structure which is the own culture, the own roots. The concepts are widely reinforced by the touch of wind caressing a rebirthing greenery after a freezing winter… life was almost in lethargy. Greenery renewal is the most beautiful metaphor for a country who reacquires the hope of peace thank to the latest events of official rapprochement due to sports (soccer game appointment in Armenia, between Armenians and Turks). Your smooth approach to a subject like the genocide follows our spirit willing to look towards a promising future of growth and participation within the world.
The good decision of giving a central position to the Armenian characters, beautiful and rare, remark gently its sense of unique and traditional emblem. Your art blooms with the rolling history on the screen, anticipated by the candle light that gets closer and closer, almost like a promise, like a hope in the horizon… an infinite pose, as it happened with your archive photography with similar animation. But I’d rather said this time, you present a full version of the concept, for both shape and contents. This work represents well the Armenian people who had to face persecutions, massacres, deportations, identity cancellation but still, they keep the faith to stay, to survive almost in a cyclic loop, as if it were a constant repetition, a neverending wail.
I consider very faithful the elements you expose clearly. Rebirth or re-birth, a right title for the historical moment the Armenian nation goes through currently, perfectly supported by your animation emphasizing an attitude of dignity you can easily read at the ancient photograph. The translation of the video into different languages, represents the Armenians’ polyglot condition. The Armenian voice with foreign accent or the imperfect armenian written words give an even more realistic value to the story telling. These are true stories that represent survivors’ last generation memories.
Finally, the voile posed at the beginning recalling the Armenian prudish, even the prayer or the music expressing a deep spirituality, that you’ve been able to extend generous with no fears. Antonello, you’re fantastic and I hope I’ll be always able to thank you somehow.

(e-mail sent to the author from Maria Ines Abramian, the muse of the video, Olbia 2008)


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