Sirak Melkonian

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Biography

Sirak Melkonian (b. 1931, Tehran, Iran) is considered to be one of the founders of the Iranian-Armenian modern art movement, and is a pioneer of Iranian modernism. Melkonian is well-known for his abstract works, often of a topographical nature. He began his career using figuration and then started experimenting in abstract painting as a reaction to the older generation of Iranian artists.

 

His figurative works drew attention to his art and brought him the Imperial Court Prize at the Tehran Biennale in 1958 for his works, including his linocuts. His figurative works were appreciated and found at the Paris Biennale (1959), Venice Biennale (1958), after he had previously won the Contemporary Iranian Artist Exhibition of the Iran–America Society (1957).

 

In the early 1960’s Melkonian began focusing more specifically towards abstraction in his work, and became a prominent figure in the Iranian art scene, due to his successes in Iran and internationally. Melkonian founded the Azad Art Group in the early 1970’s, with some other important artists living and working in Iran at the time. They were introduced formally at the Tehran International Art Fair in 1974, pushing the boundaries and understanding of conceptual art and installation works in Iran.

 

Melkonian has exhibited his work in over 140 exhibitions worldwide. His works can be found in major public and private international collections; including the Tehran Museum of Contemporary Art and Los Angeles County Museum of Art. He currently lives and works in Toronto, Canada.