Geraldina Khatchikian
We are honored to feature Issue 41 artist Geraldina Khatchikian, an Italian abstract painter and jewelry designer whose artistic journey has been a fusion of painting and goldsmithing.
Based in Milan, Italy, Khatchikian honed her craft at the IED (European Institute of Design), where she delved into the intricate worlds of goldsmithing and metal coloring techniques. Pursuing her passion for painting simultaneously, she transformed her skill into a professional career while further enriching her artistic knowledge at the prestigious Sotheby's Institute of Art in New York, laying a strong foundation for her career.
Surrounded by goldsmiths throughout her life, she continued to refine her jewelry design skills. Today, Khatchikian's work graces international platforms, prestigious magazines, and various global exhibitions. She has earned recognition from international collectors who cherish her artistic vision. Her work is currently featured in numerous publications, including various issues of "The World of Interiors.”
Artist Statement:
Geraldina Khatchikian’s artistic process revolves around abstract expressions, where colors serve as a powerful conduit for emotions, thoughts, feelings, and ideas. She intricately weaves metal wires into her work, adding depth and dimension to her paintings. She often applies engraved metal pieces as well, symbolizing personal stories and highlighting the richness of inner worlds. Influenced by diverse sources, her intuitive approach embraces vulnerability, encouraging introspection.
Drawing inspiration from her own experiences and healing journey, Geraldina’s art creates a space for connection, contemplation, and the transformative power of self-expression. Through the interplay of colors, wires, and engravings, she invites viewers to explore the complexity and beauty of human existence.
What initially sparked your interest in art?
What initially sparked my interest in art was a significant moment during a challenging period in my life. A dear friend gifted me a large coloring poster featuring my favorite city, London. This gift came at a time when I needed an escape and a source of solace. As I filled in the intricate drawings with a multitude of colors, I found myself immersed in the creative process, recalling my innate creativity since childhood. This experience planted the seed of using art as a therapeutic outlet and a means of self-expression.
As a result, I delved deeper into the world of art, attending exhibitions and exploring various artistic avenues. It wasn't until 2018, after completing an intensive jewelry design course in Milan, exploring painting courses, and building my portfolio, that I decided to further my artistic journey by enrolling in a course at Sotheby's Institute of Art in New York. It was during this period that I finally felt a deep sense of peace and realized that I had discovered my true and authentic calling as an artist.
What connects your work together and what keeps you creating?
What connects my work as an abstract artist and jewelry designer is drawing inspiration from life experiences, understanding human emotions, and the endeavor to bring them to life through the powerful use of color, metalwork, wires, and by weaving meaningful stories into my jewelry pieces. What keeps me creating is the need to set my emotions free, the urge to give voice to my inner world, and the reminder that vulnerability and sensitivity are among the most precious things we are gifted with.
Describe your work using three words.
Intricate, profound, authentic.
What are you most proud of as an artist, whether it's a specific moment or who you are as an artist?
I feel a sense of pride every time I gaze at my paintings, witnessing the evolution of my work over the years. Each time I contemplate my art, I can pinpoint the year and recall what I was going through during that specific period. I cherish how these pieces serve as invaluable traces of the healing journey I've undertaken over the years, representing significant memories and personal growth. It brings me a great deal of joy to see my evolution, not only as an artist but also as an individual who found the courage to delve deeper, uncover her true self, and achieve things that once seemed impossible.
If you could be in a two-person exhibition with any artist from history, who would it be and why?
If I could be in a two-person exhibition with any artist from history, I would choose Vincent van Gogh. It's disheartening how he was often misunderstood during his lifetime, yet each of his works never fails to stir wonderful emotions within me. I deeply admire his strong connection with nature and his emotional sensitivity.
In the park I visit regularly, there's a street named after him. Whenever I walk down that street, I take a moment to sit on a bench, meditate, and immerse myself in the beauty of the natural surroundings. As I leave and catch a glimpse of his name on the street sign, I can't help but feel grateful for the incredible art he created and the lasting inspiration he's provided to generations of artists. In an exhibition alongside him, I believe our combined works could evoke a profound emotional response in viewers and further highlight the enduring power of art to connect with people on a deep and personal level.
