Anastasia Egonyan (b.1987, Kharkiv, Ukraine) is an international artist of Armenian
descent based in Berlin. Her practice is driven by emotional fluctuations and psychological
experiences that are deeply rooted in her introspective life experiences. She continues to
balance a longstanding practice in photography with evolving focus on painting and
textile. Frequent engagement with family narratives, Armenian ancestry, and the
exploration of female fragility are closely integrated into the evolving sense of self, as she
continues to expand her approach across diverse mediums.
Anastasia integrates textiles and predominantly natural materials into her artistic practice,
delving into the tactile and symbolic dimensions of her heritage. Her work includes manual
photo transfer techniques, traditional Armenian sheep wool, and the delicate use of pearls.
By incorporating Armenian words and common phrases into her creations, she preserves
and celebrates her cultural identity. Anastasia finds profound symbolism in the simplicity of
everyday life while honouring the strength and resilience of women through historical and
cultural lenses.
Egonyan’s artistic practice is grounded in psychological self-reflection, where themes of
ancestral heritage and identity gradually unfold. Her use of oil paint, textile, photography
collages, and mixed media often employs layering techniques to shield the vulnerable
aspects of emotional and personal experience. These layers, whether of paint or fabric,
serve to shield the intimacy of these personal explorations, preserving a sense of privacy
while concealing the raw intensity of the truth. The act of layering thus becomes an
allegory, creating a barrier between the deeply personal and the viewer, who may not yet
be prepared for such exposure.
ցավդ տանեմ - I take your pain
mixed media (textile, wool, photography transfer)
220 x 320 cm
With love for the people of Artsakh who lost their homes.
My family heritage originates from the village of Togh (Տող) in the Hadrut region, Artsakh. The great ancestor wrote at the entrance of his chamber “I did not allow that people from Armenia be taken captive.” In September 2023, history took a different course as the indigenous people of Artsakh were forcibly displaced. Over 100,000 individuals lost their homes, and the land now falls under the control and administration of occupying forces, with the region being transformed into a nature reserve.
I take your pain is an object that represents the traditional Armenian way of making wool blankets. With the use of sheep wool and cotton fabric it is quilted in the original manner, following the rectangular shape. It is common for every Armenian family to own several of these blankets and mattresses, which are typically crafted by the women of the household.
The object is composed of multiple layers of textile and wool, forming a mosaic of fabrics sourced from my collection of vintage scraps and family garments. It connects to my family, my current residence, my place of birth, and the lost land that forever holds my heart and soul.
