Sarkis Hamalbashian

Sarkis Hamalbashian, born in 1956 in Gyumri, Armenia, has established himself as a prominent contemporary artist with a career spanning several decades. He began his formal art education at the Panos Terlemezian Fine Arts College in Yerevan and the School of Fine Arts in Gyumri, graduating in 1975. In the 1980s, Hamalbashian emerged as a leading figure among young artists challenging Soviet artistic norms. His work is characterized by influences from early Italian Renaissance, Russian iconography, Armenian miniature painting, and the modern developments in post-Soviet Armenian art.

Throughout his career, Sarkis has participated in numerous exhibitions worldwide, including solo shows in major cultural centers like London, Los Angeles, Tokyo, Moscow, and Paris. His paintings are held in the Modern Art Museum of Armenia and private collections globally. The impact of the devastating earthquake in his native Gyumri significantly influenced his work, reflecting a dramatic evolution in style and themes, where the terror of nature appears indirectly rather than as literal depictions.

Influenced by masters such as Bosch, Mantegna, and Matisse, Hamalbashian developed his unique visual language, incorporating vibrant color and expressive linework. His compositions often feature large-scale polyptychs and complex “theatrical performances” that integrate elements from Armenian miniatures, creating a bridge between tradition and contemporary expression. His work evokes a sense of calmness and invites viewers to pause and reflect, blending the past and present in a dreamlike narrative that transcends cultural and artistic boundaries.

Hamalbashian’s art carries a deep intellectual and emotional resonance, presenting a distinct approach that merges Armenian cultural heritage with modern art. His ability to harmonize seemingly disparate elements within his canvases reveals a personal vision that remains anchored in his cultural identity while engaging with broader, universal themes.