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Missak Terzian
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Missak Terzian is a Lebanese-American contemporary visual artist of Armenian descent born in 1949 in Beirut. Renowned for his semi-abstract figurative and modern abstract expressionist works, Terzian has made a significant impact in the art world. He embarked on his artistic journey with studies at Ecole d’Art Guvder in 1968 and later graduated from the London College of Printing in 1971.

In 1984, Terzian unveiled his first major exhibition, marking the beginning of a successful career that has seen him participate in 147 exhibitions globally. Over the years, Terzian transitioned from semi-abstract figurative expressionism to modern geometric abstraction, showcasing his versatility as an artist. His remarkable paintings can be found in prestigious collections across various countries, including Europe, the United States, Canada, Lebanon, Armenia, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and the Republic of China.
Institutions worldwide proudly exhibit Terzian’s works, which are highly coveted by distinguished art collectors. His art is permanently displayed in esteemed locations such as the Institut du Monde Arabe in Paris, the Dubai Collection, the Bank of Sharjah head office, the Dalloul Art Foundation, The Mokbel Art Collection, and several other prominent institutions, namely the Musée Nicolas Sursock in Beirut.

Exploring themes of transcendence, spirituality, and the human connection to nature, Terzian’s art stands as a testament to the enduring power of creativity in the face of adversity. Through his dynamic works that capture human emotions and experiences, Terzian encapsulates life’s challenges and triumphs on colorful canvases that invite viewers into worlds where emotions resonate, and art becomes a timeless expression of the human spirit.

Driven by an intrinsic desire to create, Terzian delves into existentialism through art, aiming to capture the essence of time and events in his canvases. Nature serves as a primary inspiration for his work, with Terzian stating, “As a painter, I mark time with memories and baptize them with colors,” underscoring the profound impact of the natural world on his artistic expression.

Artistic Education

  • 1969 Graduated from Guvder Art School, Beirut, Lebanon
  • 1971 Graduated from London College of Printing, London, United Kingdom

Prizes

  • 1967 1st. Prize of Jury Paul Guiragossian, U.J.A.C.,  Bourj Hamoud, Lebanon
  • 1996 2nd. Prize at the 2nd Egyptian Print Biennale, Cairo, Egypt

Membership

  • 1989 Member of Los Angeles Art Association, Los Angeles, California, U.S.A.
  • 1997 Member the Sursock Museum, Beirut, Lebanon
  • 2007 Member of the Contemporary Art Network, New York, U.S.A.
  • 2008 Member the Lebanese Artists Association, Beirut, Lebanon

Gallery Representation

  • 1987-1999 Galerie Epreuve d’Artiste, Beirut, Lebanon
  • 1992-1993 Sherry Frumkin Gallery, Santa Monica, California, U.S.A.
  • 2007 Stephanie’s Art Gallery, La Canada Flintridge, California, U.S.A
  • 2009-2010 Noah’s Ark Gallery, Zalka, Lebanon
  • 2009-2020 Alwane Gallery, Saifi Village, Beirut, Lebanon
  • 2009-2011 Arts & Beyond, Sodeco Square, Beirut, Lebanon
  • 2010-2024, Hamazkayin Lucy Tutunjian Art Gallery, Bourj Hamoud, Lebanon
  • 2011-2024, Galerie Matignon, Horch Tabet, Lebanon
  • 2013-2019 Artblend, Artists Haven Gallery, Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, U.S.A
  • 2013-2018 Amsterdam Whitney Gallery, Chelsea, New York, U.S.A.
  • 2019-2021 Galerie Cheriff Tabet, D Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
  • 2024- Present, Karim Gallery, Amman, Jordan
  • 2024- Present, Mark Hachem Gallery, Beirut, Paris, New York.

Works on Display

  • Mokbel Art Collection, Beirut, Lebanon
  • Institut du Monde Arabe, Paris, France
  • Dalloul Art Foundation (DAF), Beirut, Lebanon
  • Mark Hachem Gallery, Beirut, Paris, New York

Dubai Collection

Artist’s Statement: Utopia Exhibition

In 2017, I pivoted from semi-abstract figurative expressionism to modern geometric abstraction. It was a turning point in my career.

The shift can be attributed to my experiences at two of the world’s most extraordinary sights: Bryce Canyon National Park in Utah, and Faraya in Lebanon.
I marveled at Bryce Canyon’s huge and immersive amphitheater, home to the greatest concentration of “hoodoos” on earth.

Likewise, while off-roading in Faraya with Mr. Johnny Mokbel, I found myself struck with awe and inspiration over the millenary limestone rock formations, carved by wind and water over the centuries. I stood astonished by a chain of six hills 1900 meters above the sea level.

The Rock & Landscape series came to life on very large canvasses between 2019 and 2021. Large paintings, to me, are grandiose. You are in it. I characterize my paintings by minimalist or complex hard-edged compositions of shapes and colors. My 50 years of chromatic experience was stimulated to interact in primary, secondary and tertiary chromatic palettes, which made the journey more enjoyable. Each tone reveals a particular weight, density, and transparency.

My new collection consists of several series: Rock, Rock Variations, Kissing Rocks, Skyhill, Earthrise, Blue Diamond, Palm Tree and Olive Tree.