The Robin Rice Gallery, NY, announces the second solo exhibition of photography by Haik Kocharian.

The opening reception will be held on Wednesday March 14, 2012. The show runs through April 29, 2012.

Kocharian’s work focuses on the interaction of the individual and the surrounding nature: a forest, body of water or urban street. Just as nature transforms our environment, so does the object in the picture evolve, symbolizing an internal shift. The style is reminiscent of photojournalism forefathers such as Robert Frank and Cartier-Bresson yet with a Fellini-esque twist, the Gallery said in the announcement.

This exhibition, at once mysterious and revealing, reflects one man’s journey in search of love, vacillating from memories to hope. The collection is a fusion of neo-realism and symbolism. It’s the central figure’s relationship to the environment that elevates the images beyond realism, representing the transformational power in nature and within ourselves.

The exhibit includes photographs from Kocharian’s expansive travels – from immersing himself in Montauk during Hurricane Earl to a soul-searching journey to India to a humanitarian trip to Ethiopia.

Born in Armenia, Haik Kocharian has lived in New York City since 1993. He began his studies at the Armenian Theater Academy and continued his education in film directing at Brooklyn College. His solo exhibitions in New York include Galerie Mourlot, Robin Rice Gallery, 92 Y Tribeca, and James Cohan Gallery. He was a finalist in the Smithsonian Magazine Photo Competition.

Mr. Kocharian also collaborates with various non-for-profits, including African Services Committee, Chodron Foundation and Self Help Africa. Haik Kocharian has written and directed six short films including "Charlie" which won the Thirteen/WNET Reel 13 Shorts competition. He wrote and produced his first feature film, "Manhattan Romance". His new feature film as a writer/director/producer, "Please Be Normal," will be released this year. Mr. Kocharian is also a singer-songwriter; his upcoming album, "Children's Album," will be released this summer.