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Zhak IhmalyanArmenian artist of Turkish origin, born June 30, 1922.
Country:
 Armenia |
Content:
- Early Life and Education
- Activism and Imprisonment
- Emigration and Travels
- Moscow and Academic Life
- Death and Legacy
- Artistic Influences and Style
- Friendship with Nazım Hikmet
- Versatility and Poetry
- Cultural Heritage
Early Life and Education
Jacques Mhitaryan, an Armenian artist of Turkish origin, was born on June 30, 1922, in Istanbul. He received his initial education at a French Catholic school, and later attended the Istanbul Academy of Fine Arts for his artistic studies.
Activism and Imprisonment
During his younger years, Mhitaryan became involved in left-wing activism. His involvement led to his arrest and imprisonment for several years.
Emigration and Travels
Upon his release in 1949, Mhitaryan left Turkey and traveled to various countries, including Syria, Lebanon, Poland, and China, where he worked for three years.
Moscow and Academic Life
In 1961, Mhitaryan settled in Moscow, where he taught Turkish language and literature at the Institute of Asian and African Countries at Moscow State University. He became a member of the Union of Artists of the USSR in 1974.
Death and Legacy
Jacques Mhitaryan passed away on April 1, 1978, in Moscow. He was buried in Yerevan, Armenia. His artwork continues to be exhibited in major museums in Russia and Armenia.
Artistic Influences and Style
Mhitaryan's art drew inspiration from various sources, including medieval Armenian book miniatures, portraiture, Orthodox and Catholic religious art, French Impressionism, and Fauvism. He was deeply influenced by Pablo Picasso and Henri Matisse.
Friendship with Nazım Hikmet
Mhitaryan enjoyed a close friendship with Turkish writer and poet Nazım Hikmet. Hikmet wrote in one of the books illustrated by Mhitaryan, "One day I will write poems that will be worthy of your drawings."
Versatility and Poetry
In addition to his paintings, Mhitaryan's artistic talents extended to graphic art, book illustrations, and woodcuts. His poetry, showcasing his philosophical and romantic nature, was only published posthumously in 1979.
Cultural Heritage
As the son of Anatolia, Mhitaryan absorbed the rich cultural heritage of the region. His art reflects the influences of various civilizations, including the Hittites, Romans, Seljuks, Armenians, Byzantines, and Ottomans.
