Conny Chavez October 9th, 2022 - 5:57 PM
Singer, poet, composer, visual artist, activist, and so much more, Serj Tankian has launched his journey into the world of fine art with the opening of his “Shapeshift: A Dynamic Divine Into Diversity” special exhibition. The art exhibition opened Sunday morning Oct. 9 at Stephanie’s Art Gallery in La Cañada, California.
Serj Tankian, best known as the lead singer of Grammy Award-winning rock band System of a Down, opened a special art exhibition today in La Cañada. Tankian is recognized as a nonconformist artist throughout all his work, whether it is composing unique and dynamic music or creating something completely out of this world. The “Shapeshift: A Dynamic Dive Into Diversity” art exhibition displays nearly 20 different canvases, each piece paired with music composed by Tankian. Tankian creates a uniquely audible and visual experience with each artwork.
Visitors to Stephanie’s Art Gallery will be able to not only see Tankian’s artwork but also listen to the accompanying music pieces. The embedded music is accessed via Arloopa, a free mobile application used as an augmented reality visualization tool that brings the physical and digital worlds together. Using the Arloopa app guests can scan the artwork and instantly listen to the accompanying musical score. Tankian’s vision to utilize smartphone technology as the channel to unlock the intertwined relationship of music and art was the first of its kind.
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The singer attended the opening of his art exhibition and talked art with fans. Guests were able to view and listen to the art pieces and mingle with the rockstar. Tankian was kind enough to take pictures with supporters and give a few autographs. All artwork on display is up for sale ranging from $1,200 to $20,000; several pieces have already sold.
Tankian expressed that he was inspired to create this unique exhibition as “music has become temporal and devalued in the world today, so I wanted to create an exclusive experience, something unique for someone to hold so they become the only person to experience this.” He also mentioned that his ultimate goal is to have people visually see the music and listen to the art piece.
Tankian’s journey into the world of fine art first began with his Disarming Time Musical Paintings in 2013. The art piece was Tankian’s first ever painting. It was referred to as the perfect example of his visual and creative style. Tankian has also released a new EP titled Perplex Cities, via the Arloopa app for an augmented reality experience in which fans can experience listening to the record alongside a virtual Tankian.
The exhibition will be on display at Stephanie’s Art Gallery in La Cañada from Sunday, Oct. 9 through Tuesday, Nov. 1. The gallery’s hours are Monday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Saturday from 10:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
