The photos have been taken by Emma Marashlyan in “Marashlyan” photo studio.
A new photo story has been shot with participation of the members of the Genealogy group representing Armenia in the Eurovision Song Contest.
The photos have been taken by Emma Marashlyan in “Marashlyan” photo studio. The 6 Genealogy artists are wearing 19th-century Armenian national dresses (taraz) and thematic jewelry. The idea pursues the goal of presenting Armenian cultural values and the peculiarities of Armenian taraz to the world. During the shooting the participants have enthusiastically familiarized themselves with the creation history of tarazes, with the main features of wearing the national dress, accessories used with the clothing, as well as have been introduced both to their apparent and hidden meanings.
Genealogy member Inga Arshakyan is dressed in the taraz of Hamshen. Being on the professional stage already for 15 years, Inga has always had a chance of periodically changing her image and dressing different styles of clothing – beginning from ancient Armenian tarazes up to European style clothing. “Taraz seems to completely change a person. I treat all this with high respect. It is happiness that these pieces of ancient culture have reached us, and we are their bearers now,” said the singer.
Other participants of the group Stephanie Topalian, Mary-Jean O'Doherty Vasmatzian and Tamar Kaprelian are wearing the Armenian traditional dresses of Vaspurakan region.
Stephanie Topalian says, “For wearing taraz we need knowledgeable people, who will help us to properly dress them. It is very important for me to wear an Armenian national dress. I am sure, my grandma and grandpa would be very proud of me.”
“I have been in Armenian taraz for the first time. That clothing is very beautiful; the accessories for the head, the jewelry and all Armenian patterns are amazing. I had seen the photos of my ancestors in tarazes of that kind, I sent a photo to my mom, she said I am like my grandma in that photo; we were very excited,” tells Mary-Jean O'Doherty Vasmatzian.
Tamar Kaprelian confesses, “It was a high honor for me to wear the Armenian national dress – taraz. I am happy for the opportunity of wearing specifically the taraz of Kharberd: my grandpa was from Kharberd.”
Essaï Altounian is wearing the taraz of Lori. “I have been in taraz for the first time: it is so elegant and beautiful that I realize even many years ago Armenian people had a distinct sense of fashion.”
Vahe Tilbian is wearing the clothing of Shatakh district, Vaspurakan. “I have worn taraz previously, too, while dancing Armenian dances, when I was learning at an Armenian school in Ethiopia. When I looked in the mirror, I truly felt the Armenian spirit.
To remind, according to the decision of the creative team of the Public Television Company of Armenia, this year our country will come forth in a unique format and with a newly-formed group. Genealogy group is comprised of 6 artists of Armenian origin, coming from 5 continents of the world and from Armenia. During the Eurovision due in May they will perform the song “Face the Shadow”.
