Avetis Khachatrian

Avetis Khachatrian is a prize-winning Armenian artist who was born in the country’s capital city, Yerevan. He graduated from the Faculty of Wood Carving at Yerevan Art College in 2000, before furthering his studies at the Faculty of Visual Arts in Panos Terlemezian Arts College, graduating from there in 2006. 

Khachatrian is known for creating figurative work, in a style that blends classical and contemporary elements, featuring caricature-like subjects who are depicted in vibrant colours and often in fairytale-inspired, folkloric settings, rooted in his childhood memories. 

Featuring eyes that always display emotion and are set widely apart - a hallmark of Khachatrian’s practice - his protagonists are usually captured in the middle of an activity or tender moment in time, from romantic embraces to family hugs or musicians rehearsing. This gives viewers a sense that they are being offered a privileged glimpse into the lives, hopes and dreams of these diverse characters who range from royalty and servants to children with their pets.

Describing Khachatrian’s practice, the art critic Marina Stepanian has said, “His characters by themselves fill the whole composition. These kings and queens, neighbours, squeals, pugnacious boys, teachers, musicians, dwarfs, cats and dogs. They all have large heads, big expressive Armenian eyes and accurate, characteristic gesticulation. His characters are not always cheerful, they are sometimes serious and even sad. And this has everything to do with reality, where the author, this time, not as a child, is looking for a magical meaning of life.”    

Khachatrian’s work has been exhibited extensively in Armenia, the Middle East, Russia and the US. Recent solo shows include: ‘Return to Childhood’, Arame Gallery, Beirut (2022); Arame Gallery, Beirut (2015); Peter Fomenko Theatre, Moscow (2013) and (2010); Artists’ Union of Armenia, Yerevan, Armenia (2009); San Vitale Gallery, Venice (2008); and Naregatsi Art Center, Yerevan, Armenia (2006).

His work has also featured in numerous group exhibitions, including, most recently: ‘Spring Salon 2020’, Artists’ Union of Armenia, Yerevan, Armenia (2020); ‘Symphony of Colours’, Kuwait (2019); ‘Contemporary Armenian Fine Art’, Kuwait (2019); ‘Reality of Bliss - 15th Anniversary Show’, Arame Gallery, Beirut (2018); ‘World of Art’, Dubai (2018); ‘Reality’, Arame Gallery, Beirut (2016); ‘Art Beyond Time’, (book launch) Yerevan, Armenia (2016); Armenian Masters of Contemporary Art, US (2016); ‘Inner Lighthouse’, Arame Gallery, Beirut (2015); US Exhibition (2015); ‘Beauty in the Palm’, Arame Gallery, Beirut (2014); ‘Selected Artworks’, Vienna, Austria (2014); ‘Sensual Revelations’, Arame Gallery, Beirut (2013); ‘10th Anniversary Arame Gallery’, Yerevan, Armenia (2013); ‘New Generation. Selected Artists’; Arame Gallery, Yerevan, Armenia (2012); Cultural House of Italy, Valletta, Malta (2011); Citadel, Gozo, Malta (2010); Artists’ Union of Kemerovo, Russia (2010); Artists’ Union of Armenia, Yerevan, Armenia (2010); Artists’ Union of Artsakh, Armenia (2009); Exhibition-Conference, Washington, US (2007); ‘Free Composition’, Naregatsi Art Centre, Yerevan, Armenia (2006); National Gallery of Armenia, Yerevan, Armenia (2006); Artists’ Union of Armenia, Yerevan, Armenia (2004); and Hay Art Cultural Centre, Yerevan, Armenia - special nomination, Golden Palette - (2003).

In addition, Khachatrian took part in ‘Re-Anima’, the International Animation Film Festival of Yerevan (2009) and ‘Winterfest Armenia 2009’, where he was awarded first place. He is a Member of the Artists’ Union of Armenia.