Gevorg ("Chala") Sargsyan, 50, painter, was born and raised in Gyumri. He studied at both the Terlemezian Art College and the Art and Theater Institute (graphics department) in Yerevan, and currently works as a lecturer at the Gyumri Art Academy. He has shown internationally, including, among other places, Sweden, Vienna and France. Perhaps this abstract expressionist has best managed to capture the tortured soul of Gyumri, particularly after the 1988 earthquake that destroyed the city. Using a mixture of techniques and muted, ashy color palette, Chala's work reflects both hopeful innocence and utter devastation. Chala has created and is leading an artgroup called 15/3 that is organising exhibitions of young artists almost every month. One of them, Karen Barseghyan is now participating in 'Artist in residence' project in Holland, The Hague.
Want to visit Chala's studio? E-mail us at arttoursarmenia@gmail.com.
