Hayk Bianjyan documented the violation of property rights in Yerevan, where ongoing redevelopment projects have resulted in the large-scale destruction of historical buildings and the eviction of their tenants and owners. These evictions are occurring despite the fact that most property owners are in possession of lawfully-issued title certificates and refuse to accept buy-out offers.
Bianjyan’s photographs are part of his larger, ongoing documentary and archiving project that started in 2003 and includes audio interviews, video, historical photographs, and personal objects and architectural details salvaged from the destructed homes. The aim of the project is to present evidence of human rights violations being committed, document the architectural history of Yerevan, and create an archive of this material.
Hear Bianjyan talk about his project and reflect on his experiences.
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Hayk Bianjyan attended the Yerevan State Pedagogical University’s School of Fine Arts from 1995-2000 and studied photography at the Caucasus Institute from 2004-2005. His work has been exhibited in a number of solo and group exhibitions in Armenia and published in newspapers and magazines. In addition to working as a photographer and videographer, Bianjyan is co-founder and director of Afrikyan & Bianjyan Group Co., which conducts genealogical research and compiles documents and photographs in order to reconstruct customers’ ancestral dynasties.