Profile | Ruben Malayan
March 27, 1971
ProfileWe’ve all been told that our handwriting reveals a lot about us and what our culture—to excuse the pun— stresses and accents. It is also no secret that the art of penmanship is sorely in need of a revival, especially in Armenian orthography. This is the philosophy that drives artist Ruben Malayan. Through his quill and ink, the foremost Armenian calligrapher of our time is resurrecting an entire art form from near-extinction. His efforts vary in approach—from creating visual art to writing books to teaching seminars—but no matter the medium, he is undoubtedly igniting a fire in the hearts of the inheritors of this beautiful, yet oft neglected, tradition
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As diasporans, we all know the drill: Speak Armenian, cook Armenian, marry Armenian—be as Armenian as you can in an unArmenian nation, so that our culture will not "disappear off the map." Being Armenian can, oftentimes, feel like a burden—but it does not have to be. If you’ve ever been scolded or made uncomfortable for not speaking Armenian, this guide will speak to you—in a welcoming, possibly therapeutic, way
Since the days of Mesrop Mashtots (the fifth century inventor of the Armenian alphabet*), the Armenian script has played a vital role in the cultural and artistic legacy of her people. Like ancient relics in a museum, each decorative stroke illustrates a story that is steeped in thousands of years of history, literature, art, and religion. Fast forward 1,600 years and this ancient tradition is at a crossroads for survival, with knowledge and usage almost all but forgotten. Yet, once again, one man is at the helm of a movement—a new zartonk (“renaissance”) in Armenian calligraphy. Using a wide range of multimedia, artist Ruben Malayan is ushering in a new era for this unique, yet overlooked art form
Attention!