YEREVAN, Armenia — On September 15, the American University of Armenia (AUA) College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHSS) proudly unveiled “Not Another Brick in the Wall,” a permanent display of student work located in the first-floor hallway of the Paramaz Avedissian Building, transforming the corridor into a hub of creativity, critical thinking, and resistance. The exhibition’s title, inspired by Pink Floyd’s iconic anthem, which sends a message of individuality and defiance, features posters created by Bachelor of Arts in English and Communications (BAEC) program students in the Visual Communication (EC269) course on urgent topics such as human rights, war, gender roles, environmental issues, animal welfare, and more.
The opening included a warm welcome from Dr. Mica Hilson, BAEC chair, who congratulated the launch of the exhibition and emphasized the importance of dedicating spaces of expression to students. He highlighted the value of these spaces within the University, noting that such initiatives celebrate creativity and authorship.
Dr. Hagop Yacoubian, CHSS dean, congratulated everyone on the opening of the wall and exhibition. He underscored the importance of student creativity, thought, and voice in academic life, and reflected on how everyday spaces can and should become places of intellectual and artistic engagement.
Ruben Malayan, instructor of the Visual Communication class, introduced the projects on display and shared insights into the process behind their creation. He highlighted the range of ideas students explored during the course, from social critique to personal expression, and explained the significance of several works on display. Malayan congratulated the students on their achievements and emphasized the importance of dedicating space at AUA for the permanent exhibition of student work.
“Not Another Brick in the Wall” is now part of AUA and serves as a living testament to student creativity, agency, and the power of art to shape the spaces we share. Through this installation, students make their presence visible and enduring. They transform the white walls of the university, often used for official narratives, into a space of authorship, intellectual challenge, and reflection.
At CHSS, we believe education is about liberation, not containment. This wall affirms students’ right not only to learn but also to intervene, challenge, create, and transform. As this collection grows over time, it will serve as a living testament to the student body’s role in shaping the University, rather than merely moving through it.
Founded in 1991, the American University of Armenia (AUA) is a private, independent university located in Yerevan, Armenia, affiliated with the University of California, and accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission in the United States. AUA provides local and international students with Western-style education through top-quality undergraduate and graduate degree and certificate programs, promotes research and innovation, encourages civic engagement and community service, and fosters democratic values.
