YEREVAN, Armenia — The student art display on the first floor of the Paramaz Avedisian Building (PAB) at the American University of Armenia (AUA), titled “Not Another Brick in the Wall,” serves as a curated platform for showcasing the creative output of AUA students across a range of courses and projects. Conceived as both an exhibition space and a site of expression, the initiative foregrounds student voices within the everyday academic environment.
The inaugural exhibition featured 13 works produced in EC269: Visual Communications course led by adjunct lecturer Ruben Malayan. Over the course of the semester, these thought-provoking pieces engaged a wide audience of students, faculty, staff, and visitors, inviting reflection on the intersections of visual culture, communication, and individual perspective.
For its second exhibition, the College of Humanities and Social Sciences presents a curated selection of 13 photographic works produced in EC201: Photography course led by adjunct lecturer Eric Grigorian. Drawing undergraduate students from across diverse programs and colleges, the course has become one of AUA’s most sought-after electives, with demand consistently exceeding available seats each semester.
Grigorian notes that he sees a clear transformation in his students each semester. They develop a deeper understanding of what makes a photograph truly strong and impactful, while also learning to observe their surroundings with greater attentiveness. Over time, students begin to engage more actively with their environment, watching people, noticing interactions, and becoming more attuned to the subtle rhythms of everyday life. This shift extends beyond photography, fostering a heightened appreciation for both their own experiences and the richness of the city they inhabit.
Students enter the course from diverse starting points: some with a budding interest in photography, others with prior experience, and many seeking to challenge and expand their creative boundaries. To shed light on these different paths, we spoke with several exhibiting students, inviting them to reflect on what drew them to the course and how their experiences compared to their initial expectations.
Ella Yaghiazaryan (BAB ’27)
“When I enrolled in the photography course, I had no prior experience, and it was Eric Grigorian who introduced me to the camera from the very beginning. The course was one of the most hands-on experiences I’ve had at AUA and far exceeded my expectations. I learned that looking through the viewfinder requires intention: you begin to notice light, shadow, texture, and emotion in ways that often go unnoticed. The honest feedback I received helped me refine both my technique and creative vision.
Seeing my photographs displayed on the first floor of PAB was a moment of real pride. The course also reaffirmed for me how essential creative subjects are for BAB students, helping build observational and aesthetic skills. What began as an elective ultimately led me to take part in a photography project at Wirestock, becoming something far more meaningful.”
Robert Sargsyan (BSCS ’27)
“Since childhood, mathematics has been my favorite subject for the clarity and logic it offers, multiple paths, but always a precise answer. Photography, by contrast, is defined by uncertainty, yet it still requires structure to succeed. While math follows strict rules, photography is shaped by personal vision. Still, I see a parallel: both involve finding the right balance of elements, timing, and technique, which is what makes photography so exhilarating.
I first learned about the course from friends and was inspired after joining them on a photography outing. Although I owned a DSLR camera, I was unfamiliar with its functions. The course began with technical foundations and moved into practical assignments, helping me better understand how to create a strong image. By the end, it had exceeded my expectations”.
Hasmik Harutyunyan (BAEC ’26)
“I became interested in photography about three years ago after finding my family’s old camera, and spent two years experimenting with it. In 2025, I placed second in the Photography category of the Vahe & Lucie Creative Awards at AUA. Soon after, I took a documentary photography course at the 4Plus Documentary Center, where I discovered the power of photography to humanize lives and ethically represent marginalized issues. I am now completing a six-month documentary project there, with an upcoming exhibition.
Although I had wanted to take AUA’s photography course since my first year, I only enrolled as a senior, determined not to miss the chance to study with Eric Grigorian. By then, I approached it not as an introduction but as an opportunity to refine my technical skills and learn from his professional experience. What stood out most was his openness, sharing real insights into a photographer’s daily work, from publisher communication to navigating the local job market, which made the course an especially valuable learning experience.”
Featured student work from EC201 (spring, summer, and fall 2025) includes contributions by Adelina Gevorgyan (BSDS ’28), Ani Nazaryan (BSCS ’27), Ella Yaghiazaryan (BAB ’27), Erik Manukyan (BSDS ’27), Hasmik Harutyunyan (BAEC ’26), Lusine Poghosyan (BSES ’28), Robert Sargsyan (BSCS ’27), Samvel Davtyan (BSCS ’25), Sevan Mkrtchyan (BAB ’28), Svetlana Stepanyan (BSES ’27), and Tigran Tokatyan (BSCS ’27).
Though today nearly everyone carries a camera, few pause long enough to look beyond what first meets the eye.
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.
