FEATURE
GISHYAN CERAMICS Pomegranate OF LIFE Pomegranate has a long journey as a symbol of fertility, abundance and love. It appeared in Jewish manuscripts and Greek mythology, Medieval painting and Indian ornaments, Shakespeare’s poetry and Picasso’s still life. Tracing its history back to the ancient Mediterranean and Persian civilizations, pomegranate did hardly influence any culture as deeply as Armenian, becoming an essential element of wedding rituals and decorative art. It was the genius Armenian film director Sergei
namesake ceramics brand recently got huge success at Art Zagreb. Known for the strong combination of decorative and functional aspects of her art projects, Alina is trying to breathe new life into an ancient practice: the ceramic wedding pomegranates reveal their shining seeds without cracking, and will keep the dearest memories for years. Pomegranate is not just an attractive wild form or a way of tracing cultural Armenian evolution for Gishyan Ceramics. It was pomegranate – and love – that helped Alina start her global career on
Parajanov who re-introduced the old symbol to contemporary art with his “The Color of Pomegranates” film launched in 1969. Since then the pomegranate became Parajanov’s creative mascot and a sign of deepest devotion to his motherland. The impressive red ceramic pomegranate, made by Ruben Stepanyan in mid 1990s for Sergei Parajanov’s Museum, marked the beginning of a new era for the local ceramists – plenty of artists started following Stepanyan’s steps. Now the next generation of Stepanyan-Gishyan family evolves the initial approach, bringing the Armenian ceramic pomegranates far beyond the national border – yet never forgetting the
new grounds. Being married to a Croatian, Alina made the country her second home, and soon the signature glazed pomegranates transformed into fresh and bright Adriatic coastline colours – turquoise, blue and white – which seemed more appropriate for the artist in her new surroundings.
meaning and great idea behind it. “In Western Armenia there is an old wedding ritual: a bride would throw a pomegranate and break it into pieces. Its appearing seeds ensured that she will bear a child. This lovely tradition inspired me a lot!” – says Alina Gishyan, whose
The expanding of colour palette – from intensive ruby red or lava red to calm and deep colours – came together with a growing interest in abstract and minimalist ceramics, being the new directions Alina is leading her brand to. Thus appeared a collection of white pomegranates with a splash of scarlet or gold – pure and strong, just as a bride’s dress.