Armenian American Artist Lusine Saakyan Explores Cultural Heritage Through Art

Lusine Saakyan, a self-taught Armenian American artist, uses visual art to explore Armenian history, resilience and cultural identity. Born in Armenia and immigrated to the U.S. in 1991, Saakyan turned to art later in life after careers in education and law. Her work evolved from nature-focused paintings to investigations of ancient Armenian petroglyphs, rug motifs, jewelry and dance traditions. Inspired by historian Artak Movsesyan and rug expert Hrach Kozibeyokian, she traces connections between Armenia's ancient visual traditions and cultural expressions that survived displacement and genocide. Her exhibition "Petroglyphs of Syunik" at Glendale's Glenmark Hotel showcased these themes. Saakyan aims to deepen younger generations' appreciation for Armenian cultural heritage through interconnected artistic practices including jewelry and traditional dance.