ARAM JUGHIAN

Early Years

Aram Jughian was born in 1959 to Armenian parents in Lebanon. A self-taught painter he has exhibited since 1975, primarily in galleries across Lebanon and Russia. In 1993, Jughian was awarded the Sursock Prize.

Aram Jughian Artworks

Influences

Aram Jughian’s expressive paintings are founded in abstraction, colour, and music. The influence of mid-century Abstract Expressionism can be recognised in his works, and Jughian also takes inspiration from beyond the art world. His musical influences range from Bach’s baroque compositions, to the impressionist music of Ravel and Debussy, as well as contemporary jazz, blues and rock.

Beyond these melodic influences, Jughian also looks to his own experiences and relationships. Each canvas is laden with emotion and life. The artist describes his paintings as ‘the fruit of nature’, comparing himself to the roots or trunk of a tree, from which the composition emerges.

Representing the Self

Jughian is an accomplished colourist. His fluid, intuitive brushstrokes appear masterfully layered, with vivid hues enhancing a sense of whimsy.

Unlike some abstract artists, Jughian did not begin his career painting representational or classical work. Some of his works may resemble flowers, a landscape, or dancing figures, but each painting can only be definitively understood to represent the artist’s emotions and experiences. Ultimately, Jughian’s oeuvre reflects a lifelong study of self-expression through abstraction and acrylic paint.

Beirut

Jughian has been a major figure in modern and contemporary art in Beirut. In 1995, he participated in a significant moment in art in post-civil war Beirut: the First Sanayeh Plastic Arts Meeting of Ashkal Alwan, or the Lebanese Association for Plastic Arts, founded by curator Christine Tohmé. Jughian continues to be an active member of the Lebanese contemporary art community and exhibits regularly at Galerie Tanit in Beirut. In 2022, he presented the solo exhibition FireWorks.

Collections

Jughian’s paintings are represented in public and private collections internationally, in Beirut (Sursock Museum), Paris, Cologne, Rotterdam, Leiden, London, Washington, Los Angeles, and Jakarta.

Public Commissions

Aram Jughian was commissioned to create a fourteen-by-three metre mural for the Lebanese Ministry of Public Works.

Exhibitions

Aram Jughian has been the subject of both solo and group exhibitions.

Select solo exhibitions include FireWorks, Galerie Tanit, Beirut (2022); I Am Here, Galerie Tanit, Beirut (2017); and Brushstrokes, Galerie Tanit, Beirut (2011); Sursock Museum, Beirut (2006).

Select group exhibitions include Vous avez dit abstrait?, Galerie Tanit, Beirut (2013); Sharjah Biennial (1997); Sanayeh Garden Project, Sanayeh Garden, Beirut (1995); and Abstract Painting in Lebanese Art, Lebanese American University, Beirut (1995).

Rachel Kubrick | Ocula | 2022