About the competition
The Yerevan HSE ART AND DESIGN SCHOOL and the Russian-Armenian (Slavic) University in collaboration with the Sergei Parajanov Museum announce the «Parajanov. Continuation of the Experiment» open competition. This competition encourages you to comprehend the creative legacy of Sergei Parajanov through the prism of modern technologies and the abilities of artificial intelligence, continuing his bold experiments in new formats.
Sergei Parajanov became famous for his unique visual language and bold experimental approach in cinema and art, leaving behind a deep artistic legacy and a recognizable style. His works have always been distinguished from others by deep symbolism, multi-layered compositions and vivid cultural references.
Today we encourage everyone to imagine what everyday things we are used to, from clothes and furniture to digital interfaces, would look like if Parajanov himself took on their creation. Or, on the contrary, continue to reveal the master’s style in the formats familiar to him.
Using the modern technologies, we can imagine what certain objects would have become if Parajanov’s hand had reached them in his time. For example, what would the design of websites or mobile applications be like if Parajanov had been a designer? You can continue to reveal his recognizable style through familiar mediums — illustrations, prints, artwork or posters. Or maybe you would like to create a design for furniture, household items or a sculpture in 3D models, reflecting the poetics and symbolism of the maestro?
This time we accept works in three nominations: interactive design, graphics, objects.
Anyone can submit a project online. The number of projects from one participant is not limited.
About HSE ART AND DESIGN SCHOOL
HSE ART AND DESIGN SCHOOL is a creative division of the National Research University Higher School of Economics, a leading educational institution in the fields of design, fashion, and contemporary art in Russia. We teach contemporary design and art skills with a special attention to systematic design thinking, elaborating concepts, and breaking traditional design rules with a deep knowledge of classic design instruments and techniques. HSE ART AND DESIGN SCHOOL includes 4 campuses in different cities and more than 15 educational areas. More than 5 000 students study in our undergraduate, graduate, additional education and postgraduate programs.
About the Russian-Armenian (Slavic) University
A partner of HSE ART AND DESIGN SCHOOL, in collaboration with whom the Communication Design bachelor’s degree program has been available in Yerevan since 2023. One of the leading universities in Armenia, is among the leading higher education institutions both in Armenia and in the region. In the QS EECA (Emerging Europe and Central Asia) University Rankings, RAU is confidently improving its position and has significantly overtaken all the leading universities in the country. One of the priority areas of activity of the Russian-Armenian (Slavic) University is the development of international cooperation. The University has signed cooperation agreements with about 60 leading universities and organizations in the Russian Federation and abroad.
About «301. Land of Wisdom»
«301. Land of Wisdom» Foundation has been founded since 2020.
We are working to ensure the ontological security of Armenia and the Armenian world.
We launch projects in the following areas: culture, education, innovation, science, holistic development of the territories.
The task of the competition
Create an art object or visual concept for everyday objects, combining the practical aspects of modern things with the rich visual and cultural tradition inherent in Sergei Paradjanov’s style.
The task of the participants is to imagine how elements of everyday life — from clothes and furniture to websites and apps — might look like if they were designed by Parajanov.
The nominations of the competition
Prizes in each nomination
🥇50 000 RUB / 220 000 amd 🥈30 000 RUB / 135 000 amd 🥉20 000 RUB / 90 000 amd
Stages
Start date to upload projects: March 3, 2025
Project submission deadline: June 30, 2025
Announcing the winners: July, 2025
The exhibition will take place in the summer of 2025
Jury
Igor Gurovich is the academic director of HSE ART AND DESIGN SCHOOL INTERNATIONAL — Yerevan — Joint Bachelor’s Program between the HSE School of Design and the Russian-Armenian (Slavonic) University, a lecturer.
Vadim Bulgakov is the head of the Digital Product and Artificial Intelligence program and the Artificial Intelligence Laboratory at HSE ART AND DESIGN SCHOOL.
Mitya Kharshak is the head of St Petersburg HSE ART AND DESIGN SCHOOL, the coordinator of regional campuses and the international program of HSE ART AND DESIGN SCHOOL.
Anait Mikayelyan — Director of the Sergei Parajanov House-Museum (Yerevan)
Diana Misaryan is the last year’s finalist
Educational degree
HSE ART AND DESIGN SCHOOL INTERNATIONAL is a unique opportunity for students who are residents of Armenia or are willing to move there to receive relevant design education in Russian under the well-established HSE ART AND DESIGN SCHOOL Communication DesignBachelor’s program
Contacts
HSE ART AND DESIGN SCHOOL Moscow, Malaya Pionerskaya st., 12 creativeopen@hsedesign.ru
HSE ART AND DESIGN SCHOOL — Yerevan Yerevan, 123 Hovsep Emin St.