A quiet steady silence emits from each sculptural form; a palpable hum defining its existence and announcing its presence. Preferring to remain silent, yet curious to experience a world different than its own, a small point initiates contact. Each one revealing its unique character: some exhibiting determined hope exemplified in authoritative tension and others a small timid crest. A rhythm is felt more than heard, a gravitational pull that draws within itself and remains, yet if approached - if really seen - will open up to you and sway.
Remaining transfixed yet capable of movement is not the only contradiction. The sculptures are dense and strong in character, yet convey an almost merry enthusiasm. In them is a longing to dance; however they are encapsulated by restraint. Desiring to be free, but not just any way nor to anyone, they only share their freedom with those who choose to touch and see.
In a contemporary art world where popularity resides in a loud statement, Armen Agop prefers the solidarity of silence. Somewhat counter-cultural in thought and principle, his works exhibit his core values. Severe and idealistic, each piece displays a solid sphere of influence stemming from an unyielding vortex and continuing out to an optimistic point. There is more silence than expression, but then there is no need to express. It resides in a world of ascetic values and sincere initiatives where talking is excessive. Those values are personified in Agop. Deeply rooted in his ancient culture, his works are evocative of something old in nature, old in thought, yet distinctive in approach. He is careful to embody only what the work requires; nothing needed, nothing taken away. His sculptures resonate a quiet confidence both static and mobile; they are content within themselves and make no requests.
Agop himself prefers not to speak about his work, saying instead that he shares a part of his life with a piece and when it is finished, what comes out is a certain way of being.
Now that being has its meeting with you.

Rebecca Bell