With an interdisciplinary approach, Melik Ohanian uses film, photography, and other media to explore the various perspectives inherent in scientific, social, and cultural communities. Though he begins with research and documentation (of star-gazers in Utah or rap-enthusiasts outside of large cities), projects are ultimately realized in poetic, sculptural installations that involve viewers and present multiple views. Each element and work joins to the next like a constellation that describes who we are and how we interact.
Ohanian’s recent seven-channel video project Seven Minutes Before (2004) continues his relational investigation of the cosmos. The film presents seven synchronized visions emerging and converging on the same point, yet each along distinct paths. Beginning with the tale of a natural tragedy that occurred in the French Alps, the piece continues as the cameras fly concurrently over the sharp valley, scrutinizing rocks, roads, tunnels, and ruins. Narrative moments (a couple in silent ritual, a wolf in a cage) indicate a metaphorical structure that suddenly ends with related fiery explosions. The work suggests, as do many of Ohanian’s projects, that between the multitude of divergent experiences there are universal connections.
Born in Lyon, France in 1969, Melik Ohanian is based in Paris. He has had solo exhibitions at Yvon Lambert in New York, NY (2004) and Paris, France (2003); Museum in Progress, Vienna, Austria (2003); and Palais de Tokyo, Paris, France (2002). Venues of group exhibitions include the 1st Moscow Biennale of Contemporary Art, Russia (2005); XXVI Bienal de São Paulo, Brazil (2004); and 3rd Berlin Biennial for Contemporary Art, Germany (2004).