The “Nature/ Nurture” art exhibit by Cerritos College art professor, Hagop Najarian, will be on display at the Oxnard College McNish Gallery from Feb. 6 to March 8. Najarian’s use of intense color and light expresses the experience of living, learning and finding the beauty in every day life.
“Some people believe in nature as the biggest developmental influence, while others believe in nurture. I’m a big believer of both,” said Najarian. “I try to express the innocent and natural reaction of children with nature that we tend to forget about when we’re adults.”
Najarian’s large-scale paintings of children within abstract natural environments definitely have an impact on gallery visitors.
“I like how he uses the light and bright colors,” said Jose Ramirez Jr., 25, architecture major at Oxnard College. “I especially like the expression on the little girl’s face,” he said as he pointed at a painting entitled “Sustain.”
Usually, the artist lecture and reception are held on the same day. However, with the “Nature/ Nurture” reception four days after the lecture, the exhibit is still a success according to OC art department chair and McNish Gallery director, Christine Morla. Her favorite painting is a piece with a girl in a pond with a giant hummingbird entitled “Natural Human”.
“The blues and the greens really speak to me,” said Morla. “I like looking at this work and seeing the relationship between the hummingbird and the girl.”
Najarian feels he has many different influences in his paintings.
“I emigrated here from Beirut when I was 5 so there definitely is a Middle Eastern influence in my work,” said Najarian. “I also spent a year studying art in Rome so there is also an Italian influence.” Najarian’s influences are not only cultural but also historical and personal.
This is most apparent in a painting entitled “Timelessnest” where a sculpture of Saint Cecilia, the patron saint of music, is lying on the floor along with Najarian’s family playing music. “I started with the Saint Cecilia but then decided to make this a personal piece,” said Najarian.
Najarian is currently a full-time art professor at Cerritos College and finds teaching art a difficult but rewarding job. “If you know how to communicate well, it will definitely show in the painting,” said Najarian. “The hardest thing to do is to instill confidence in your students.”
The Oxnard McNish gallery will feature more exhibitions in the coming year. The paintings of Ichio Irie and Aska Lida will open on March 19, 2006. Irie and Lida were inspired by their experience as Japanese-Americans living in Mexico. For more information, call (805)986-5800 or e-mail Oxnard Art Department head, Christine Morla at [email protected].
