Missak Terzian is a Lebanese-American contemporary visual artist of Armenian descent born in 1949 in Beirut. Renowned for his semi-abstract figurative and modern abstract expressionist works, Terzian has made a significant impact in the art world. He embarked on his artistic journey with studies at Ecole d’Art Guvder in 1968 and later graduated from the London College of Printing in 1971.
In 1984, Terzian unveiled his first major exhibition, marking the beginning of a successful career that has seen him participate in 147 exhibitions globally. Over the years, Terzian transitioned from semi-abstract figurative expressionism to modern geometric abstraction, showcasing his versatility as an artist. His remarkable paintings can be found in prestigious collections across various countries, including Europe, the United States, Canada, Lebanon, Armenia, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and the Republic of China.
Institutions worldwide proudly exhibit Terzian’s works, which are highly coveted by distinguished art collectors. His art is permanently displayed in esteemed locations such as the Institut du Monde Arabe in Paris, the Dubai Collection, the Bank of Sharjah head office, the Dalloul Art Foundation, The Mokbel Art Collection, and several other prominent institutions, namely the Musée Nicolas Sursock in Beirut.
Exploring themes of transcendence, spirituality, and the human connection to nature, Terzian’s art stands as a testament to the enduring power of creativity in the face of adversity. Through his dynamic works that capture human emotions and experiences, Terzian encapsulates life’s challenges and triumphs on colorful canvases that invite viewers into worlds where emotions resonate, and art becomes a timeless expression of the human spirit.
Driven by an intrinsic desire to create, Terzian delves into existentialism through art, aiming to capture the essence of time and events in his canvases. Nature serves as a primary inspiration for his work, with Terzian stating, “As a painter, I mark time with memories and baptize them with colors,” underscoring the profound impact of the natural world on his artistic expression.
Artistic Education
1969 Graduated from Guvder Art School, Beirut, Lebanon
1971 Graduated from London College of Printing, London, United Kingdom
Prizes
1967 1st. Prize of Jury Paul Guiragossian, U.J.A.C., Bourj Hamoud, Lebanon
1996 2nd. Prize at the 2nd Egyptian Print Biennale, Cairo, Egypt
Membership
1989 Member of Los Angeles Art Association, Los Angeles, California, U.S.A.
1997 Member the Sursock Museum, Beirut, Lebanon
2007 Member of the Contemporary Art Network, New York, U.S.A.
2008 Member the Lebanese Artists Association, Beirut, Lebanon
2013 Artblend, Artists Haven Gallery, Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, U.S.A.
2013 Amsterdam Whitney Gallery, Chelsea, New York, U.S.A.
Gallery Representation
1987-1999 Galerie Epreuve d’Artiste, Beirut, Lebanon
1992-1993 Sherry Frumkin Gallery, Santa Monica, California, U.S.A.
2007 Stephanie’s Art Gallery, La Canada Flintridge, California, U.S.A
2009-2010 Noah’s Ark Gallery, Zalka, Lebanon
2009-2020 Alwane Gallery, Saifi Village, Beirut, Lebanon
2009-2011 Arts & Beyond, Sodeco Square, Beirut, Lebanon
2010-2024, Hamazkayin Lucy Tutunjian Art Gallery, Bourj Hamoud, Lebanon
2011-2024, Galerie Matignon, Horch Tabet, Lebanon
2013-2019 Artblend, Artists Haven Gallery, Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, U.S.A
2013-2018 Amsterdam Whitney Gallery, Chelsea, New York, U.S.A.
2019-2021 Galerie Cheriff Tabet, D Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
2024- Present, Karim Gallery, Amman, Jordan
2024- Present, Mark Hachem Gallery, Beirut, Paris, New York.
Works on Display
Mokbel Art Collection, Beirut, Lebanon
Institut du Monde Arabe, Paris, France
Dalloul Art Foundation (DAF), Beirut, Lebanon
Hamazkayin Lucy Tutunjian Art Gallery, Bourj Hamoud, Lebanon
Galerie Matignon, Horch Tabet, Lebanon
Artblend, Artists Haven Gallery, Ft.Lauderdale, Florida, U.S.A.
Alwane Gallery, Saifi Village, Beirut, Lebanon
Amsterdam Whitney Gallery, Chelsea, New York, U.S.A