Newmag to Present Hermine Avagyan’s "Farewell Eyes" at Newmag Winter Fest (Trailer)
01/25/2025
A year ago, Newmag Publishing House and the “Tovmasyan” Foundation launched a literary competition to support and publish works by Artsakh authors. Now, at the upcoming Newmag Winter Fest the winning book will be presented to the public.
The winner, Hermine Avagyan, was born in the village of Ashan, Artsakh. A journalist by profession and the author of four books, she has received literary awards in Artsakh, Armenia, and the Diaspora. Her latest collection, “Farewell Eyes”, explores the profound loss of homeland and the enduring hope of return.
Over the past months, Newmag has worked on editing and packaging this collection, emphasizing the importance of preserving the independent literary voice of Artsakh authors. The book tells the stories of children forced to grow up too soon, families torn from their homes, and lives shaped by war, exile, and longing. Every story reflects the experience of those who have endured multiple wars, displacement, and loss.
The “Tovmasyan” Foundation is the book’s main partner, while the “Amrots” Foundation is its main sponsor. During the Newmag Summer Fest, Artak Tovmasyan, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the “Tovmasyan” Foundation, announced Hermine Avagyan as the competition’s winner, stating:
“The goal of this competition is to create a platform for writers to stay connected to their Artsakh roots. Literature remains one of the most powerful tools for preserving identity.”
Ani Karabakhtsyan, Director of the “Amrots” Foundation for the Development of National Values, was among the first readers of “Farewell Eyes”. She describes the collection as a poignant portrayal of war’s deep wounds, longing, and silent grief:
“For the “Amrots” Foundation, this book stands as a heartfelt testimony to resilience and resistance. It speaks of loss, strength, and dignity, allowing readers to deeply empathize. We proudly support this publication, confident that it will carry the unwavering spirit of the Artsakh people into the hearts of readers and open a new chapter of faith.”
The stories in "Farewell Eyes" are bound by a common thread: the pain of loss, the weight of memory, and an unshakable hope that one day, they will return to Artsakh—home.
“Farewell Eyes” will be presented at Newmag Winter Fest 2025 on February 16, at 5:00 PM, at Dvin Music Hall. Admission is free.
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Hermine Avagyan
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Description
Human destinies distorted, children who grew up prematurely, forced to leave their homeland, longing - this is what war brings with it. The people who have gone through all this are very similar to each other: there are empty corners in their souls that nothing can fill, make complete. After the war, a heavy silence remains, through which people who have lost their dreams communicate with each other. They speak to each other with their eyes, because in the gaze of a friend, neighbor, son, husband, they find their memories, losses, and faith in peace every day.
