Artist Mher Kafalian talks to us today about his work as a Lebanese-Armenian man. He works with several themes of female sexuality, displacement and tradition.
Hi Mher thank you so much for taking time to answer a few questions about your work. I am really interested in your collection of works as well as films and projects.Tell me a little bit about yourself, your work, where you studied and what your inspirations are.
Well, I was born in Lebanon then we moved to Armenia when I was 6 years old. It’s nice because I really believe that Armenia has a huge aspect in my creations. I didn’t go to art school, I have a diploma in Marketing but I have been always into arts and now I am sure that art is part of my life and I will continue doing it. My inspirations could be different for example the sea or sex or love or all of this together. Also, soviet architecture inspires me a lot.
I am writing to you for a women’s art space, although you are not a female artist I chose to interview you because I find some of your work centered around the female body and sexuality and social presence. What made you discover and appreciate these themes?
In Armenia we still can see discrimination between men and women. For women in Armenia, when it comes to nudity and sex it’s always shameful to show a interest in the sexuality (that’s why I am not showing the faces of my models). For me I mean it’s really absurd how guys can gather around and talk how they fucked someone and not appreciate the woman itself who is a very important figure in our society. I really want to see some positive change in the Armenian society where there is no taboo of women having sex.
Your recent work Chic, is centered around an older female protagonist (who is just fabulous). As an Armenian women I know that Armenian older women take care of themselves and look fabulous no matter what age. Could you elaborate on what you are trying to achieve with these photos?
This project I shot in Marseille, France. The women is trans. I have to say that I have not mentioned her being a trans because my objectives is not to talk about gender but to concentrate on the colors and the dresses she chooses for everyday life. Despite her age she always looks pretty and shiny and no matter how old you are you can be beautiful and confident.
What have been the most difficult parts of creating and showcasing your work?
As always the most difficult part is finding the models, most of them reject it instantly and the others would only really try and considerate being nude before saying yes or no. I think that’s why I have huge gaps between my projects.
I can see that you have taken inspiration not only from the middle east but around the world, what country has been the most interesting for you?
Visiting various countries I saw that people are mostly interested in sex and partying. So having this I combined my imagination and the reality in Armenia, I decided to create these projects.
As an artist what drives you the most when creating your work?
Since the models are nude I will do everything so they feel comfortable also I have to be full, well rested.
Have you got any future projects/exhibitions on display?
I do have future projects in my mind but now I am in Marseille till August.After that I don’t know where I will i be so it’s a bit hard to decide which project will be next. Probably I will also try to talk about Marseille and the drug life.
Thank you so much for your time !
Thank you for interest in me 🙂
If you want to check out more of Mher’s work he has instagram and his latest project.
Interviewed by Tania
I've seen it all 