Jacqueline Ohanian
B. 1946, Lebanon
Jacqueline Ohanian joined the Academy of Fine Arts in Jogjakarta, Indonesia in 1976. She later graduated from the State University of New York, Albany in 1986. Over the years, she worked as a guest lecturer at various universities in Lebanon and the United States.
From 2002 to 2011, Ohanian actively participated in workshops held in the United States and Indonesia, as well as the Biennale of Belgium. She has showcased her artwork in numerous solo and group exhibitions in the United States, France, Italy, and Lebanon.
In addition to her artistic pursuits, Ohanian has delivered lectures on art at institutions such as BUC in Beirut, the Textile Science College in Philadelphia, the Ecole d’Art Moderne in Paris, St. Rose College in Albany, and Hamazkian Hall in Beirut.
Ohanian's artistic approach is characterized by her constant search for absolutes. Through her diverse body of work, she endeavors to unveil hidden elements in contemporary life and present them in a fresh perspective.
About her Work
After many years of primarily painting figurative subjects such as horses, still life, and human figures using watercolor, Jacqueline Ohanian transitioned into abstract expressionism across various mediums. This shift provided her with the freedom and spontaneity to blend her imagination with the diverse realities surrounding her.
About A Monument in Time
The roots of learning stem from books, which hold the vast knowledge passed down from our ancestors. Libraries were once regarded as sanctuaries offering open access to a wealth of knowledge. In today's digital age, computers provide instant access to readily available information, diminishing the significance of books for many individuals who immerse themselves in passive virtual realities. Nevertheless, books remain relevant and deserve reverence, respect, and care.
In this installation titled A Monument in Time, Ohanian utilizes a found reference book to highlight the depth and dimension of its pages, blurring the line between object and sculpture. Through her artwork, she emphasizes the enduring value of books and underscores the necessity of preserving their significance.
Jacqueline Ohanian
A Monument in Time, 20--
Books, mixed Media, 49 x 53 x 50 cm
Loan from the artist