Mother Armenia

Part II

Part III

Hayasdan (Armenia) is a graphic essay that explores the relationship between contemporary Yerevan and its past. The work, by Harut Tumaghyan and Armen of Armenia (Ohanyan), is divided into three parts, each delving into the city’s socio-political and cultural context from an urban perspective.

The protagonist of the story is the iconic statue of Mother Armenia, who has watched over the city — and the country — for over half a century. In Part I, she embarks on a journey to find a pool of water to soothe her swollen feet, providing a unique lens into the psychological mindset of the city’s residents through her conversations with other statues.

Part II has her coming out of the lake and trying to return to her pedestal. Her journey becomes increasingly challenging as, without her sword and “monumental” attributes she has become unrecognizable, just another unknown woman. She soon discovers that other statues are vying for her place, culminating in a battle to take her place. Part III, which is projected for release in 2024, will be the concluding chapter of this enthralling graphic essay.