Armenian Artist Uses Paintings to Address Domestic Violence
Art against violence
Artist Mariam Galstyan held a solo exhibition in Martuni, Armenia featuring 15 paintings addressing gender-based and domestic violence. The exhibition served as a platform for women to discuss experiences they typically keep private, with Galstyan's studio functioning as a social hub where women shared stories during months of preparation.
Galstyan collaborated with local organizations including the Martuni Women's Community Council, which handles over 120 violence cases annually. The artist said art provides "one of the safest spaces to open discussions" about sensitive issues often treated as private matters in Armenia.
The exhibition, which closed in August, is expected to reopen in Yerevan in November before traveling to Strasbourg, France. Galstyan emphasized the importance of creating safe platforms where people can address concerns and explore alternative perspectives on domestic violence prevention.
