Anna Manukyan
Artist

Can you tell us a little bit about what you do? I am a U.S.-based Armenian abstract artist currently living and working in Los Angeles. Recently I have exhibited my work at IMX in Burbank as part of a group exhibition called “Flare” and had a solo exhibition at Lusanet Collective Boutique, also located in Burbank. My art is an expression of my inner world, and I primarily work with abstract expressionism. I create paintings that blend color, rhythm, energy, and emotions into a rich tapestry. My inspiration comes from a wide range of sources, including nature, music, poetry, and philosophy, which I weave into my abstract works. My art is heavily influenced by a diverse range of artists, including Pablo Picasso, Marc Chagall, Jackson Pollock, Mark Rothko, Georges Mathieu, and others. In 2015, I relocated to the United States, which added new dimensions to my work, incorporating elements of nature, transcendence, music, and metaphysical conversations into my abstract paintings. I’ve had the opportunity to showcase my art in various exhibitions both in Armenia and the United States, and I continue to explore new dimensions of creativity in my artistic journey.

How did you first become interested in art? My interest in art was nurtured from a very young age. I come from a family with a strong artistic background, especially my father, who was an artist himself. I vividly remember the smell of paints and the sound of brushes on canvases from my early childhood. My father’s influence was significant, as he taught me to appreciate, love, and live through art. I even attended an art school during my childhood, where I was constantly immersed in the world of painting.

As I grew older, my fascination with art only deepened, prompting me to pursue formal education in the field. I enrolled at the Henrik Igitian Art Center and later completed my studies in the Department of Decorative Arts at the Yerevan State Pedagogical University. During my student years, I had the opportunity to explore various artistic styles, but it was abstract expressionism that ultimately captured my heart and became my artistic path. This journey into the world of art was a natural progression for me, given my upbringing and my inherent passion for creativity.

How does art enrich a community, and what are some ways people can engage with art in Burbank? In Burbank people can engage with art in various ways: art galleries, art walks, community art classes, public art, local art associations, and art festivals.

Engaging with art in Burbank allows residents and visitors to immerse themselves in a diverse and creative community, fostering a deeper connection with the city’s cultural identity and artistic expression.

If you could share with our community one thing about art, what would it be? If I could share one thing about art with our community, it would be this: Art is a universal language that transcends boundaries, cultures, and backgrounds. It has the power to evoke emotions and create connections between people from all walks of life.

Art is not limited to museums or galleries; it can be found in the everyday, in the colors of a sunset, the rhythm of a song, or the strokes of a brush on a canvas. Embrace the beauty of art in all its forms and remember that it has the potential to enrich our lives, foster understanding, and ignite the imagination. So, whether you’re an artist, an art enthusiast, or someone new to the world of art, I encourage you to explore, appreciate, and engage with art. It has the remarkable ability to touch hearts, spark conversations, and make our world a more vibrant and interconnected place.

To find out more about Anna and her work, visit her website annamanukyan.com or follow her on Instagram @anna_manukyan_art.