Artist and Muse, 1999,
Oil on linen
65×50 inches
INQUIRY
Samuel Hallaj (1952-2024)
Every life is an adventure and so is work of art.
To say that Samuel Hallaj is a neo-Cubisme. He extends the epic as
others have done and continues to do so remains a clear one.
But it would be reducing to think that its creation is limited to a pale
extension of the teachings of the master. Firstly, because there is more
than to know what to do in his work, then because these reference points
of interest go far beyond the limits.
With respect to the innovators who have built modern painting, it is here,
a touch, style, sensitivity, originality or even experience are not absent.
Samuel does not arrive after the battle that has upset the world of “isms”
to be one of those scavengers who vomit unworthy caricatures. No, it
offers us a fresh, contemporary view in the noble sense of the term and
especially very intelligently composed. So, the method invented by the
father of the “ladies” is going to be the second.
These creations are of first order not to suffer from a comparison under
the wrong pretext which would consist of rows in a trend that the history
of art has definitely catalogued in a given period!
Samuel Hallaj (1958-2024)
Samuel Hallaj was a visionary Armenian artist whose work transcended borders, captivating audiences around the world with its profound emotional depth and mastery of form. Born in 1952 in Yerevan, Armenia, Hallaj’s artistic journey began at a young age, culminating in a Bachelor’s degree from the prestigious Terlemezian University of Fine Art. His exceptional talent quickly gained recognition, leading to his election as a member of the Coalition of Artists of Armenia and his membership with UNESCO from 1990 to 2006.
Hallaj’s art is celebrated for its unique blend of traditional Armenian themes and modernist influences, often reflecting the complex history and cultural richness of his homeland. His work has been showcased in numerous international exhibitions, including:
- 1985: Official Exhibition of the Coalition of Artists of Armenia, Moscow, USSR
- 1986: Winter Group Exhibition, Moscow, USSR
- 1986: Group Exhibition, Frankfurt, Germany
- 1986: Group Exhibition, Munich, Germany
- 1998: Group Exhibition, Venice, Italy
- 2000: One Man Show, New York, USA
- 2006: Father & Son Exhibition, Los Angeles, USA
These exhibitions solidified Hallaj’s reputation as one of Armenia’s most talented and influential artists. His work has been collected by museums, galleries, and private collectors across the globe, a testament to his enduring legacy and the universal appeal of his art.
Samuel Hallaj passed away in May 2024, quietly departing but leaving behind a legacy of art that will forever enrich our world. His masterpieces spoke volumes, with each stroke telling a story of passion, creativity, and profound talent. Reflecting on his life and art, Hallaj once said:
“The absence of my parents from a young age has always been an obstacle in my life… That pure feeling has drawn me to soul searching. The only way to find myself has been to touch the canvas. The canvas has fulfilled the unknown for me. The colors, the figures, the characters, the lines have made me the painter, the soul searcher that I am today. I don’t think my search is over, and I don’t think it will ever be over in the generations to come.”
Samuel Hallaj’s work is a testament to the journey of a soul in search of meaning, with each piece offering a glimpse into the inner world of an artist who will be remembered for generations to come