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Skunder Boghossian

  • Skill Category: Painters
  • Present Address: Washington DC, US
  • Country: Ethiopia
  • Social media:

Biography

Alexander “Skunder” Boghossian (1937-2003) was a renowned Ethiopian-Armenian painter celebrated for his profound contributions to contemporary Black art. Born in Addis Ababa, he was raised by relatives due to his father’s imprisonment. Boghossian’s multilingual upbringing and exposure to diverse cultural influences laid the foundation for his artistic journey. He studied art under notable mentors and was deeply influenced by jazz and political philosophies. Boghossian’s art is a vibrant blend of his Ethiopian heritage and personal experiences. He drew inspiration from Ethiopia’s rich artistic traditions, ancient manuscripts, and religious symbolism. His works are characterized by bold colors, intricate compositions, and interwoven textures. His spiritual inclinations, rooted in both Christian and African beliefs, played a pivotal role in his creative process. As a key figure in the Black Arts Movement, Boghossian infused political and cultural themes into his art, expressing his views on Black identity, power, and liberation. His paintings like “Black Emblem” and “The End of the Beginning” bear coded and overt political messages. In his career, Boghossian achieved significant milestones. He earned recognition at an early age, winning awards and scholarships that facilitated his studies in prestigious art institutions across Europe. His work gained international acclaim, with pieces being acquired by renowned museums, including the Museum of Modern Art in New York.

News / Ranking / Titbits / Awards

Haile Selassie First Prize for Fine Arts, 1967; Contemporary African Painters, First Prize, Munich, Germany, 1967; Twenty-Ninth Annual Show of Black Artists First Prize, Spelman College, Atlanta, Georgia, 1970; District of Columbia Certificate of Appreciation; United Nations Special Committee Against Apartheid Certificate of Appreciation, 1984; City of Miami Beach, Florida, Certificate of Appreciation, 1985; Ethiopian Embassy’s Excellence Award in 2000

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