Destroyed Bas-Reliefs of Armenia

Bas-reliefs in the Soviet Union were used both as a powerful artistic form and as a tool for ideological expression. They served as a means to communicate Soviet values, promote political ideals, and glorify historical figures and events. These artworks were often integrated into public buildings, monuments, and institutions, reinforcing the narrative of the Soviet state and its achievements.

This metal bas-relief once adorned the walls of the Automatics Plant in Vanadzor, a significant site in Armenia’s industrial heritage. Sadly, it vanished a few years ago, and its fate remains unknown. Notably, it was one of the rare bas-reliefs dedicated to a cosmic theme. Founded in 1956, the Automatics Plant played a crucial role in the instrument-making industry of both the USSR and Armenia, releasing its first products in 1959. Specializing in electrical measuring instruments for monitoring and regulating technological processes, the plant supplied its products across the Soviet Union and exported them to 25 countries worldwide.

An identical bas-relief featuring two cosmonauts once decorated the entrance of the former Kosmos Kindergarten. The fate of this artwork remains unknown.

This bas-relief once graced the lobby of the Central Post Office in Vanadzor, created between 1977 and 1978.

Vahagn’s Battle with the Dragon – Kapan, 1966

Chiseled aluminum | Height: 1100 cm

Sculptor: A. Harutyunyan | Architect: R. Israelyan

Ara Harutyunyan’s Spring – 1963

Material: Aluminum | Location: Sayat-Nova Avenue

Harutyunyan’s daughter, Susanna, recounts the fate of this monument:

It was installed on Sayat-Nova Avenue, on the sidewalk in front of the old Academy (that building was later demolished), where his parental home once stood. However, the monument was destroyed in a car accident and was never restored.

"Masquerade" Ceramic Bas-Relief 1983 – Inside the restaurant of the former actor's house, now the French Embassy.

Sculptor: Eduard Beroyan

After the building was repurposed and renovated, the bas-relief was destroyed.

Another bas-relief by the prolific ceramist Eduard Beroyan once adorned the interior of the ArmElectro factory. Unfortunately, it no longer exists.

The nursery of the Spitak textile factory once featured a bas-relief on the wall of its swimming pool, depicting what appeared to be a fairy. The building and the artwork were destroyed during the 1988 earthquake.

Installed in 1968 at the entrance of Charentsavan, in Armenia’s Kotayk Province, this bas relief (front side) was created by renowned Armenian sculptor Tereza Mirzoyan (1922–2016) in collaboration with sculptor Suren Nazaryan (1929–1999).

The back side of the same monument at the Entrance to Charentsavan city.

Vladimir Atanyan was one of the artists whose bas-reliefs suffered the most, two of which were located inside the Dvin Hotel and disappeared after its renovation.

Ceramic Bas-Relief – "Dvin – Old Town" (1979)

Size: 3m × 6m × 75cm

Location: Restaurant of the Dvin Hotel

Artist: Vladimir Atanyan

"Eternity" Bas-Relief – 1979

Dimensions: 4 x 2 meters

Location: First floor, Dvin Hotel Interior, Yerevan

Created by: Vladimir Atanyan

“Generation” 1983/84 by Vladamir Atanyan. A large ceramic relief framed by mosaics, Generation once adorned the lobby of the Scientific Institute of Avan. Sometime between 2005 and 2010, the entire building was demolished, and the fate of the artwork remains unknown. Presumably, it was destroyed along with the building.

A rare photo of the bas-relief "Generation", as seen in an old magazine

Another work by Vladimir Atanyan decorated the wall of the restaurant in Ani Hotel. Created in 1986, it was later destroyed.

Another artist whose works were significantly lost over time is Hmayak Bdeyan. Below are several examples.

Institute of wine making - Bas relief destroyed - Artist Hmayak Bdeyan

On November 11, 2006, the first building of the "Rossia" commercial and cultural center was turned into a cafe and shopping halls. Unfortunately, the sculptures and paintings by Yervand Gojabashyan, Henry Elibekyan, Ohan Petrosyan, and Hmayak Bdeyan were later removed and up to this day their fate is unknown.

Sculptures by Hmayak Bdeyan, in the form of masks, adorned the partition wall inside Rossia Cinema. The partition wall itself measured 10 meters in width and 3.5 meters in height.

This photo shows the destroyed partition wall by Hmayak Bdeyan, lying on the ground. The fate of the sculptures remains unknown.

The interior of the Rossia Cinema, 1974, features a bas-relief on the wall. The artist remains unidentified, though it is believed to be Hmayak Bdeyan. Further verification is required.

Special thanks to Gurdeep Mattu for co-authoring this article.