Martiros Manoukian

An original painting by Martiros was discussed in 2014 on the syndicated TV program, Pawn Stars. On the show, ASA certified art expert Brett Maly explained:“Just about everything in his artwork pops. It’s all about jumping off the wall in terms of color, in terms of layer and depth. It’s all about the presentation and really creating works that are eye-catching … He has a timeless style … He’s got more staying-power potential than a lot of contemporary artists.”

Martiros embarked on a journey to Japan, signing a contract with Toyota for a collection of pieces to be commissioned over a five-year period. He lived in Japan for over 14 years. In 2011 Martiros’ artwork was distributed throughout the region as part of his Asia Tour. Presented by the Damina Gallery in Hong Kong, the tour was sponsored by the International Herald Tribune, the Global Edition of the New York Times.

The April, 2011 edition of Prestige Magazine in Hong Kong noted the artist was: “Acknowledged as A Genius of Fantasy, Armenian-born artist Martiros’ subjects range from portraits and devotional pictures to more abstract motifs.”

According to a profile of Martiros in the Feb. 10, 2000 edition of Fine Art Magazine, Martiros’ paintings are “sought after by collectors and prized not only for their surface panache but for their resonating internal power.” The Millennium edition of Fine Art Magazine describes Martiros as “one of an elite few living artists whose 1500 originals have sold worldwide,” as well as “the most successful and saleable living artist in Japan.”

In 1998, Martiros wrote and published a book captioned, Martiros Manoukian which chronicles his art style and works over the years.

In 1987, Martiros migrated to the United States. He sold his works in Laguna Beach, Las Vegas, Miami, and in New York. In 1997, he opened Art Brilliant Gallery on Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills, California.

During these years, Martiros enjoyed national acclaim for his work, winning the first prize at the “Thirty Years After World War II” exposition for his piece entitled “No Return.” In 1982, the Government of Armenia purchased one of his paintings which still hangs in the Consulate Hall of the main government building in the capital.

Martiros did everything in his power to avoid mandatory military service until his graduation from the State Academy of Fine Arts of Armenia in 1972. But he was forced to enlist in 1973. He served two years, painting for the regime and showing his pieces at various military art exhibitions.

Martiros’ first public art showing happened in 1972 in Yerevan, at the Artists’ Association of the USSR exhibition. He was granted membership to the very selective and influential Union of Soviet Artists at a very young age. He participated in several exhibitions under the patronage of the Artists’ Union. These shows took place in Yerevan and Moscow between 1974-1986, in Kostroma 1977, Suzdal 1979, Ivanovo 1984, as well as Kiev in 1980 and Leningrad (now known as Saint Petersburg) in 1983.

In 1967, Martiros was admitted to the State Academy of Fine Arts of Armenia and graduated in 1972.

Martiros Manoukian (Armenian: Մարտիրոս Մանուկյան; born August 5, 1947) is a contemporary mixed-media artist known for his unique genre of paintings categorized as Marmillism (Martiros Millennial-ism).