Hratch Israelian, born in 1956 in Armenia, is a painter, sculptor and photographer whose work questions the relationship between artistic technique and technological advances. Residing and working in Los Angeles since 1980, he is recognized for his innovative approach to painting, a technique he has pioneered since 1972.
Hratch Israelian's work is distinguished by its unique painting process, inspired by the technologies of the Industrial Revolution. This historical period, marked by new forms and surfaces, shaped the cultural landscape of the 20th century. Using a painting technique that reflects this industrial heritage, Israelian seeks to capture and express the cultural and technological transformations of his time.
The 20th century, with its technological upheavals, saw the emergence of new forms of modern art which often left aside the traditional technical aspects of painting. For Israelian, it is crucial to return to technical innovation in painting, reintegrating methods that resonate with modern developments while exploiting contemporary tools like cameras and computers.
According to him, painting must adapt to compete with current technologies while claiming its own expressive power. Its painting process is designed to be both fast, economical and high quality, seeking to combine the best of traditional techniques with modern advances.
By synthesizing these elements, Israelian aspires to reinvent painting while affirming its importance as a dynamic and relevant art form. His artistic quest explores how painting can still compete with cutting-edge technologies and express universal values in the digital age.