In A Curse that Turns Gold into Ladybugs, Vartan Avakian explores the myths, madness, and metaphysics of wealth that isn’t ours to claim. Prompted by a 2022 Turkish political speech that called for the retrieval of hidden Armenian gold to mitigate economic challenges, Avakian decided to trace and turn into art the obsessive culture of treasure hunting in Turkey. Through 17 ‘treasure maps’ and protective talismans, he challenges the morality of self-enrichment through dispossession, embedding layers of history, folklore, and resistance to each work. His exhibition is less a search for treasure, and more a mirror reflecting greed’s inevitable curse.
The exhibition is extended at Marfa’ Projects until October 20, 2025.