Yuriy TerSar (Sarkisov) was a luminary in the Armenian art world, with roots tracing back to his birth in 1928, Baku, Azerbaijan. From his teenage years, a deep passion for art ignited within him, propelling him towards professional artistry. By 1950, he had earned his stripes, graduating from the Azerbaijan State Art College.
In 1961, Yuriy made a mark, gaining membership in the Soviet Union Society of Artists. Despite his decision to diverge from the constraints of Socialistic Realism, an art style championed by the Communist Party, his masterpieces flourished within the artistic circles of the Soviet Union, albeit without official acknowledgment.
Two pivotal solo exhibitions in Yerevan in 1968 and 1973 showcased his brilliance. As the winds of Perestroika breezed through the 80s, Yuriy’s art emerged from the shadows, gracing various international platforms. His representations as a beacon of the Russian underground progressive art scene were nothing short of iconic. Museums throughout Russia began housing his artworks, and private enthusiasts were eager to purchase.
1991 witnessed a significant shift in Yuriy’s journey when he migrated to Rhode Island, USA. The American art scene embraced his genius, leading to numerous exhibitions, including a stellar showcase at the Museum of Art, R.I. Even as he evolved, Yuriy introduced the world to his unique graphical technique, crafting images that remain etched in memory. M.V. Alpatov, a Doctor of Art and Academician, rightly described Yuriy’s work as a reflection of nature’s essence, encapsulating the brightness of the sea sun and echoing a sense of vastness and liberation.
