THE CREATIVE WORLD OF GERAS (KARAPET) GYOCKCHAKYAN

Few people are familiar with the work of Geras Gyokchakyan (1916-1999) who was born in Alexandropol (Gyumri), lived and created almost all his life in Russia. He did not create monumental large-scale works, he was not recognized by the public. His graphic works are not characterized by the pathos of the era and the spirit of social realism. The artist has created his own cozy world, where man dominates with his feelings, thoughts and emotions. In his living period he was distinguished by his unique honesty, spirituality and creative principles. The heroes of Geras are mostly sad. The heroes express “life as it is” without false pathos and artificial colors typical of the time. Among the scarce literature about the artist, V. O. Nazansky’s reference to G. Gyokchakyan’s work in the article “Time to Understand” is valuable, where the art critic reflects on the fate of the generation and speaks of the stylistic features of the artist. In our article, we consider his works related to his birthplace, Leninakan. The artist referred to the topic of Gyumri often, mentally returning to his hometown. Here he becomes more organic, complete and delicate. The history of Gyokchakyan’s life and work is also instructive in being a victim of Stalinist violence in the 1940s and after spending several years in exile, he still found strength in himself to finish his study and continue his work.