On April 2, 2026, the exhibition of Bulgarian-Armenian artist Armenag Mardirosyan, entitled "Personal 2", opened at the Sredets Gallery in Sofia.

The event is held under the patronage of the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Bulgaria, the Embassy of the Republic of Armenia in Sofia, and the Armenian General Benevolent Union (AGBU).

The exhibition brought together numerous representatives of Bulgarian institutions and the diplomatic corps, cultural figures, Armenians, and friends of Armenia in Bulgaria, demonstrating how art builds bridges between cultures and nations.

The oil paintings displayed in the gallery capture the fascinating and captivating beauty of the sea. This "modern-day Aivazovsky," as he is often called, was born in Varna and completed his military service in the Black Sea Fleet. Perhaps this is why his connection to the sea is so profound. Perhaps this is why, with great love and exceptional talent, he immortalizes its many faces — from tranquil azure landscapes to awe-inspiring storms.

At the opening of the exhibition, welcoming remarks were delivered by H. E. Mrs. Tsovinar Hambardzumyan, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Armenia to the Republic of Bulgaria, and Mr. Petko Doykov, Director General of the Bilateral Relations Directorate at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Bulgaria. The artist himself, Mr. Armenag Mardirosyan, also addressed the guests.

In her speech, the Armenian Ambassador shared:

It is a true honor to welcome you this evening to the opening of the exhibition of Armenag Mardirosyan — an artist whose work resonates deeply across cultures, identities, and generations.

Allow me to express my sincere gratitude to the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Bulgaria for its invaluable support and efforts in making this exhibition possible.

Tonight’s event is more than a celebration of art. To place one’s professional skills and talent at the service of artistic creation is indeed a blessing; but to do so in a way that builds bridges between peoples and cultures is a truly noble mission — one that leaves a lasting mark.

In this context, the work of Armenag Mardirosyan carries a special meaning. It offers us a celebration of the centuries-old friendship between Armenia and Bulgaria — a relationship that is not only historical, but living and evolving — expressed through creativity, talent, and shared values.

Bulgaria was among the countries that extended a hand of friendship to Armenians in times of hardship, and over the decades, the Armenian community here has become an integral and vibrant part of Bulgarian society.

Born in Varna, Armenag’s profound connection to the sea is both natural and deeply personal. Yet alongside the sea, there is another powerful source of inspiration in his work — his sincere and profound love for Armenia. In his paintings, we sense this dual belonging: the harmony between the place where he was born and the heritage that shapes his identity.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Armenia and Bulgaria enjoy excellent interstate relations, marked by active political dialogue, growing economic cooperation, and vibrant cultural exchange. Our strong cultural ties are reflected in numerous initiatives — book publications, literary translations, theatrical performances, festivals, and annual concerts.

In this context, I would also like to express my profound gratitude and appreciation to the Armenian General Benevolent Union, whose 120th anniversary we celebrate this year.

As one of the most prominent Armenian organizations worldwide, it has long been dedicated to preserving Armenian identity, promoting culture, and fostering education and community life worldwide. In Bulgaria, its active branches have made a significant contribution to strengthening cultural ties between Armenia and Bulgaria, supporting artistic initiatives, and providing a platform for talents such as Armenag Mardirosyan to be discovered and appreciated.

E. Mrs. Tsovinar Hambardzumyan wished the artist continued inspiration and many new creative achievements.

In closing, she extended special congratulations to Mr. Levon Hampartzoumian, Chairman of the recently established Armenian-Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce, who was among the guests at the event, describing the Chamber as "yet another wonderful example of the strong and enduring bridge connecting Armenia and Bulgaria."

At the opening of the exhibition, a congratulatory message from the Vice President of the Republic of Bulgaria, Mrs. Iliana Iotova, was also presented. It read: "Dear Mr. Mardirosyan, Please accept my warmest congratulations on the opening of your exhibition of oil paintings dedicated to the vast and boundless sea. I would like to express my appreciation for your contribution to contemporary fine arts and for the distinguished place you hold in the cultural life of Varna and Bulgaria. Your work is remarkable for its artistic mastery. It embodies the spirit of the strong traditions that unite two kindred peoples—the Bulgarian and the Armenian. May the public highly appreciate the inspiration and talent with which you create your paintings. I wish you good health and many future artistic successes!"

Armenag Mardirosyan’s exhibition "Personal 2" can be visited at the Sredets Gallery until April 29, 2026.

The photographs were provided by the Embassy of the Republic of Armenia in the Republic of Bulgaria.