Paul Guiragossian
Artist
Biography
Paul Guiragossian (1926–1993) was an Armenian-Palestinian artist from Jerusalem, known for expressive paintings that often explored themes of identity and conflict. His work is characterised by human figures, bold colours and strong abstract brushstrokes, and often portrayed the suffering of individuals experiencing political and social turmoil. Born in Jerusalem to Armenian parents who were survivors of the Armenian genocide, he settled in Lebanon in 1948, studied on a scholarship at the Accademia di Belle Arti in Florence, and later studied and painted in Paris. In Lebanon he received the Medal of the National Order of the Cedar and became one of the country's most celebrated and influential artists until his death in Beirut in 1993.