Irine Kiukchian, the winner of Omi Art Gallery’s recent 'Magic Moment' contest, invites viewers into a universe where nature, space, and human emotions intertwine. As she prepares for her solo exhibition at our gallery, we take a closer look at her artistic journey, inspirations, and the profound themes that shape her work.
A Journey Rooted in Nature and Exploration
Born in Tbilisi, Georgia, and raised between the coastal landscapes of Sukhumi and the cityscape of Tbilisi, Irine Kiukchian’s early life was steeped in natural beauty and personal discovery. Her childhood was defined by a love for drawing and storytelling, often sketching horses and weaving illustrated tales. A parallel passion for the marine world, fueled by the works of Jacques Cousteau, led her to train as a diver for the national sports team. This dual fascination with artistic expression and exploration shaped the unique lens through which she approaches her work.
Although she initially aspired to study fine arts at the Academy of Art in Tbilisi, the rigorous entrance exams led her down an unexpected path—cartography at Tbilisi State University. However, her artistic spirit remained undeterred, as she continued painting and eventually relocated to Belgium, where she graduated from the Academy of Art in Leuven.
Themes of Nature, Space, and Emotion
Nature remains a recurring theme in Kiukchian’s art, but in recent years, her fascination with space exploration has taken center stage. Her latest paintings delve into the mysteries of the cosmos, blending the vastness of the universe with the intimacy of human emotion. Whether capturing the depth of a character’s inner world or depicting a celestial adventure, her art embodies a sense of wonder and sensitivity.
Her sculptures, too, draw heavily from the natural world. One of her most cherished works, Dedashviloba (Motherhood), is a striking piece depicting a mother yak and her calf. Constructed from a metal grid filled with oak leaves (1.4m), the sculpture is a tribute to the maternal bond and stands outdoors near her home, transforming with the seasons.
This life-size sculptures structure is made from metal grid, felled and covered with automn oak leaves. It is placed outside. They live and change with nature.
The Creative Process: Between Spontaneity and Deliberation
Kiukchian’s creative process is fluid, often dictated by the nature of the project. Inspiration emerges from fleeting 'magic moments'—experiences that spark her imagination. Her space-themed compositions, for example, begin as loose sketches that evolve over months before taking form on canvas. Sometimes, however, paintings emerge spontaneously, shaped by colors and forms as she works.
She predominantly works with oil paints, valuing their vibrancy and fluidity, which allow for smooth, almost sculptural transitions. When creating sculptures, she embraces natural materials—wood, clay, leaves, branches, moss, and metal—ensuring a tactile and organic connection between her art and the environment.
Echoes of Imagination: A Solo Exhibition at Omi Art Gallery
Kiukchian’s solo exhibition, Echoes of Imagination, showcases a breathtaking collection of her paintings and sculptures. This exhibition reflects a deep engagement with both realism and abstraction, inviting viewers into a world where memory, nature, and cosmic wonder intertwine.
Among the highlights of the exhibition are pieces such as North and South, an oil painting that captures the poetic duality of landscapes, and Tea of Kepler 452b, which transports viewers to an imaginative extraterrestrial scene. Works like Chasing Electronic Ants and Out of Sight further demonstrate her bold use of color and form, bridging the tangible with the surreal. Her sculpture Mother Yak with Her Calf and Little Moss Yak, a mixed-media piece standing at two meters tall, is a testament to her ability to merge natural elements with artistic craftsmanship.
An Evolving Artistic Vision
Over time, Kiukchian has become more adventurous in her subject matter, recently exploring abstract painting as a means of broadening her visual language. This willingness to experiment reflects her ever-evolving artistic spirit, constantly seeking new ways to express the nuances of life and imagination.
The Challenges and Triumphs of an Artist’s Life
Like many artists, Kiukchian has faced challenges balancing her artistic aspirations with the demands of daily life, particularly as a single mother. Additionally, the financial burden of presenting work in galleries and art fairs can be daunting. Yet, her perseverance and passion continue to drive her forward, allowing her to share her vision with a wider audience.
A Message of Positivity and Imagination
Through her work, Kiukchian hopes to inspire viewers to embark on their own journeys—both physical and imaginative. Whether gazing into the depths of space in one of her cosmic paintings or feeling the tenderness of a mother-and-child sculpture, she aims to evoke a sense of curiosity, warmth, and wonder.
Her personal experiences and cultural background deeply influence her artistic outlook. She credits the warmth of her homeland and the love of her family and friends as the guiding light behind her work, illuminating both her palette and her heart.
As she takes center stage at Omi Art Gallery with Echoes of Imagination, Irene Kiukchian invites us to explore the beauty of the unknown—whether it be the uncharted territories of space or the depths of human connection.
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