Ilya Vartanyan

Ilya Vartanyan is one of Moscow’s top photographers. 

After moving from Armenia to Moscow in 1994, Vartanyan has been a regular contributor on all glossy magazines without exception: Vogue, GQ, Tatler, Esquire, Elle, Harper’s Bazaar, InStyle, etc. 

“Dreams of Armenia” is a chronicle of the photographer’s trips back to his homeland. The photographs tell the story of one of the world’s most ancient civilizations, its culture and traditions, along with breathtaking landscapes. The country itself inspires the author, leading him across ages and generations. 

Through his photographs, he tells his own story connecting him with his land. “Dreams of Armenia” is also the photographer’s self-portrait, through which he shares his experiences and impressions, using all sorts of details: landscapes, colors, emotions and images of people from various generations.

Vartanian spent the years of 2009-2014 working on his first major project in Armenia. For years, he documented life on the streets of Armenian cities and villages, visiting the country’s amazing natural wonders. He documented the life-pulse of this ancient land: the unusual beauty of the faces, subtle details conveying people’s characters and emotions, stunning views and landscapes. Over the years, Vartanian put together a unique chronicle, which made up his album and the collection of his exhibition about Armenia.