Hrair Sarkissian
- Born:
- 1973, Damascus, Syria
- Nationality:
- Syrian
- Profession(s):
- Photographer, Contemporary Artist
Early Life and Education
- Born in Damascus, Syria, to Armenian parents.
- Early interest in photography fostered by family.
- Studied photography in Syria. Details on specific institutions are scarce, furthering the complexity of defining 'hrair sarkissian biography definition' in definitive terms before his wider recognition.
Career and Major Achievements
- Established himself as a significant contemporary artist and photographer.
- Known for his large-scale photographic works and video installations.
- Deals with themes of memory, history, and identity, often exploring the impact of political and social events.
- Exhibited internationally in numerous solo and group exhibitions.
- Shortlisted for the Deutsche Börse Photography Prize in 2011 for his series "Unexposed".
- Recipient of the Abraaj Group Art Prize in 2013.
- His work often addresses the absence of concrete evidence and the challenges of reconstructing past events.
Notable Works
- Execution Squares (2008): Series documenting public squares in Syria and Armenia where executions once took place.
- Unexposed (2010): Series investigating the stories behind archival photographs of events in Armenia.
- Homesick (2014): Explores the idea of displacement and the complexities of home.
- Last Seen (2018): Focused on missing persons and the impact of conflict.
Legacy and Impact
Hrair Sarkissian's work has made a significant contribution to contemporary photography and art. His powerful and thought-provoking images explore complex themes of history, memory, and identity, prompting viewers to reflect on the human cost of conflict and displacement. The search term that leads to defining 'hrair sarkissian biography definition' also reveals a keen interest in his artistic methods and the narratives underpinning them. He is considered one of the leading contemporary artists from the Middle East.