Vahe Berberian exhibits "Involuntary Laughter" in LA

Beirut-born painter, playwright and performer returns in rare form

by Mischa Geracoulis

Published: Tuesday August 10, 2010

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Los Angeles - I recently attended the opening reception for contemporary Armenian artist Vahe Berberian's latest collection of paintings, Involuntary Laughter.  The visionary abstract expressionist has once again produced a series of thought-provoking paintings.

The title "Involuntary Laughter" might imply entertainment or triviality- a would-be departure from Berberian's style.  Armenians, as Berberian's been noted to say, tend towards seriousness.  Indeed, many of his earlier paintings have a solemn, dark overtone.   In contrast with his more serious-toned works of collections past, Involuntary Laughter is almost effervescent.

Of "Involuntary Laughter" the artist explains: "It happens on the stage, it happens during funerals, it happens when you slip and fall...and it's the kind of laughter you can't hold back or control. It's the kind of laughter you remember years later and laugh again. It's the orange in my whites.

"I think I am getting to a point where, finally, I don't know what I am doing, and it feels good to let go. The older I get the younger I am becoming, and subsequently the more whimsical my canvases."

Born and reared in Beirut in an intellectual milieu of artists and writers, Vahé Berberian came to the States in 1976 and started out as a journalist and writer before turning to painting and later performing.

In typical Berberian fashion, Involuntary Laughter is a show that once again exhibits his minimalist leanings.  The open and austere arrangements of his paintings are true to form.  And while his use of structure and shape are undeniably minimalistic, it's employed without sacrificing sophistication, boldness and Berberian's usual aura of mystery.  In keeping with his mystique is the reappearance of numbers, letters and words (both in English and Armenian script) that have been displayed in his older works.  Here too, seemingly random numbers, letters and word are strewn about the canvases of Involuntary Laughter. 

Berberian's edginess and show of raw emotion that patrons have come to expect is ever present.  To observe Berberian's work is to witness his emotional process, his relationship with the world around him.  We are challenged to empathize and understand, or to simply appreciate (or not) the result of his efforts.

Extrapolating from this collection, Berberian's current outlook may well be less serious, which could explain the dazzling yellows and great expanses of luminous whites.  As for his customary scattering of numbers, letters and words, they appear to be a bit more spontaneous- playful even. 

For example, "Arbol de la Vida" (Spanish for "tree of life") suggests optimism and joy.  As do "All is Well," "Abris" (Armenian for "bravo!"), and "Batchig" (Armenian for "kiss").  The painting plainly entitled "K" - rich in shades of burgundy, burnt orange and black - however, is more reminiscent of his earlier work. 

For many, and certainly for me, Berberian's art tends to evoke strong emotion.  I can't say that I involuntarily laughed while browsing the new collection, but I did enjoy taking in the unveiling of Berberian's artistic evolution.

Involuntary Laughter is on display at Chryssanthou Art and Design, 612 N. Robertson Blvd in West Hollywood through September 4, 2010.  To find out more about the artist, visit http://vaheberberian.com.