Parallel Travels
An international Kazakh, French and Dutch ceramic art exchange project
Responding to a great desire for learning and cultural needs among contemporary art students and audiences across the regions in Kazakhstan, the internationally renowned Kazakh artist couple painter/ceramist Elena Grigoryan and painter/ceramist Vladimir Grigoryan initiated a unique initiative: the Parallel Travels Project.
On their own initiative and expenses the art couple organized cultural study tour sessions for the last ten years, providing master classes and on site art exhibitions in cities of Kazakhstan, with the support and inspiration of international art colleagues in more recent years.
This initiative is characterized by unforgettable cultural exchange and practical learning experiences. Where Kazakh public, artists and art students literally feel and touch the cross-over of Eastern, Western, traditional and contemporary techniques and work of arts. The art exhibitions, master classes and events organized create a podium for ideas, inspiration and experiences and connections to be made.
​
The 2014 ‘Parallel Travels’ Project
​
The 2014 tour will take place between 28 August-15 September and includes the cities Almaty and Aktau. Three European artist will join Elena and Vladimir Grigoryan, two ceramists from France, Isabelle Verchuren and Fabienne Laheurte, and one from The Netherlands, Ilona van de Braak will participate in this project.
A wide variety of traditional and contemporary techniques and methods, will be thought, practiced, and exhibited. At both locations, master classes and workshops in basic ceramics, raku and pit fire will be conducted.
​
​
​
The 2016 Lanciano Project
Architect Marco Salvatore and his partner Azhar - both art lovers – brought ceramic artists group Parallel Travels together in Lanciano, Italy in 2016.
​
Elena and Valery Grigorian, Fabienne Laheurte and Ilona van de Braak were invited, as well as local artist Maurizio Righetti and Kazakh-based Alexandra Roganova, Elvira Grigorian, Loretta Barceviciene, Natalia Kim and Urte Barceviciute to the group for this special occasion.
​
The artists displayed their own work at an 10 day exhibition, and together created an installation called ‘Bowls of Gratefulness’, underlining the history of Lanciano. The installation went on display at different locations in Lanciano including at the Auditorium Diocleziano.
​
Workshops, a masterclass, a studio and study visits and participation at a Medieval festival contributed to a true ceramic art and cultural exchange.
​
Marco, Azhar and their sponsors’ goal was ‘to bring out the feeling for Friendship, help ‘The Travellers’ to connect and discover Lanciano and Italy as locals’. Which we really did and enjoyed to the fullest. Needless to say, a big thank you to Marco and Azhar for offering Parallel Travels this unique opportunity.