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The legendary composer Richard Wagner's grandson, painter and visual artist Antoine Wagner is in Yerevan.

On April 6, the well-known artist will display his works within Are Performing Arts Festival in the Armenian National Gallery, inspired by the Vardges Sureniants' painting Ara the Beautiful. The artist on Wednesday told reporters about his works, as well as responded to NEWS.am STYLE's questions.

German Ambassador to Armenia Matthias Kiesler was also present at the press conference, and expressed his gratitude for involving German artists in the Armenian festival. "The German side is very happy and aware that this year Germany is the center of the festival. Within the festival, events will be held till June. We are glad that German artists will also take part in them. One of them is Antoine Wagner,” the envoy said.

"It is a great honor for me to present my works at the National Gallery of Armenia. I focused on Vardges Sureniants’ Ara the Beautiful painting. This painting will be presented through various combinations of techniques and art, including voice, video, etc,” he said.

The artist told NEWS.am STYLE that this is his second visit to Armenia. "Six weeks ago I received a suggestion to visit Armenia and present my art. Because I attach great importance to nature, views, it's a special theme for me,” he said expressing hope that he will have time to travel around in Armenia, and see the well-known Lake Sevan and other beautiful scenes.

Asked to comment how much he was influenced by Richard Wagner’s works, he said: "It's a very good question, but it's hard for me to answer it. I also create through the opera and I think the view developed by Richard Wagner that complete art is an ongoing concept of continuous movement is also felt in my works,” the artist concluded.

Syune Arakelyan

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