ATOM HOVHANSESYAN

Self-taught artist based in New YorkAtom Hovhanesyan was born on August 19, 1981, in Armenia. At just three weeks old, he and his mother traveled to Algeria to join his father, who was a professor in Ain Taya, near the capital, Algiers. He grew up in an idyllic middle-class community on the Mediterranean Sea, surrounded by his parents, sister, and a community of Soviet specialists on official assignment in Algeria.From an early age, Atom displayed an exceptional level of seriousness, sensitivity, and curiosity. He showed extraordinary compassion toward his classmates and peers, often attracting the attention of other parents due to the kindness and empathy he demonstrated toward everyone.In 1983, Atom and his family returned to Armenia, where he completed his primary and secondary education. His childhood followed a normal course—he loved soccer and tennis and excelled in literature, geography, history, and biology. It was during this time that his interest in drawing first emerged.This period was marked by optimism and stability for his family. Unfortunately, this optimism in Armenia was soon overshadowed by a devastating natural disaster, war, the collapse of the Soviet Union, and economic instability.In 1997, just as Atom graduated from high school at the age of 16, his family received final Embassy approval for immigration to the United States. That same year, he enrolled at New York University to study English while working part-time at a national restaurant chain. In 1998, he applied to and was accepted at St. John’s University, where he studied Economics while continuing to work in the restaurant industry. He quickly excelled and moved into key management positions in both the New York and Los Angeles restaurant markets.

In 2009, Atom relocated from Los Angeles to New York and began painting— the passion of his

childhood andInitially, he focused on getting a feel for applying paint on canvas, starting with abstract works. He then moved on to portraits and landscapes. A considered and methodical autodidact, he immersed himself in studying anatomy, perspective, light effects, color theory, art history, and the works of both the Old Masters and Modern Masters.Between 2013 and 2017, Atom studied at the Art Students League of New York and the National Academy of New York. During this time, he continued developing his unique Post-Divisionism style, working primarily in oil and ink. He created over 250 pieces of art before losing his battle with depression in May 2018. He was 36 years old.