Top Armen

If Philip Core could reanimate his deceased self to pen an addendum to his brief but authoritative "The Original Eye: Arbiters of 20th Century Taste" he would certainly expound upon the unlimited virtuosity of Armen Ra. Born in Tehran and cosmically blessed with a concert pianist mother and an opera singer aunt with a knack for Ikebana, Armen first came to prominence in New York City as a jewelry designer, make-up artist and performer. Armen Ra's inborn skill of combining the esoteric with the aesthetic turned every NYC luminary into a veritable frothing fanboy. As a performer she eschewed the ubiquitous and beehived bimbo kitsch in favor of a raven-haired and jewel-burdened tragedienne, on a Maria Callas tip. In 2000 she began to explore new expressions in High Cunt Theatrics via the theremin. Natch, Armen Ra quickly mastered the notoriously problematic instrument and has succeeded the late Clara Rockmore in becoming America's reigning thereminatrix. Armen Ra's first solo performance was captured only two years later on CNN, and dozens of highbrow and lowbrow venues later she graces us with her presence at the New Museum tonight at 7PM; information about the event can be found here. The fifteen dollar cover is a mere pittance for the shows and face that Armen Ra will bestow upon you. Lap up these rehearsal clips (and her Belle Époque-assed interiors):