ABOUT
BIOGRAPHY
Alexandra Manukyan was born and raised in Armenia. She graduated from Fine Art
College, and subsequently State Pedagogical University, where she majored in Teaching Fine Arts.
Upon Immigrating to Los Angeles in 1990, Alexandra's focus turned towards fashion.
She graduated from fashion school and worked in the industry as a designer for two decades. She also studied Graphic Design in various colleges. Her experience in Graphic Design gave her the
opportunity to branch into the entertainment industry by becoming a freelancer and creating
movie posters for various entertainment agencies.
For over twenty years Alexandra has participated in numerous international, and local solo and group exhibitions. Alexandra left the fashion and entertainment industries to completely focus on fine art. Today, she teaches from her studio and creates artwork using the technical, and creative experience she has gained over the years.
STATEMENT
I work in different series that cover different themes, issues, and concepts, but the
central theme that unites all of my paintings is human connection. The paintings
examine what seem to be separate and isolated life experiences and look for the
connections to, and impacts on, other people hidden in them.
I also portray images of strong women with almost god-like capabilities to impact
the animals and environments around them. They are fierce and in control, which, as I
show, may be detrimental to their surroundings.
In all of my paintings, the viewer is rewarded with new worlds to explore. First, you are
invited to learn the story of the figures. Their expressive postures are enhanced by
beautifully draped garb and jewelry, most of which were also made by myself. I combine heavy with soft, rigid with fluid to create a dramatic union of contrasts that invoke a sense of compelling wonder. The women are strong and beautiful, depicting the balance of grace and power. Their striking sense of self lures you in just to push you away. Their environments are rich, deep, and mysterious. Subtle details encourage viewers to explore and find more meaning and depth the further they go.
Extensive thought, intention, and planning go into all of my pieces before I begin painting. I allow myself the flexibility to adapt while the brush touches the canvas. This is where I welcome you to explore the second world of my paintings. As you venture closer to the canvas, the figures melt away and become a landscape of expressive, emotional and energetic brushstrokes. Thick impasto becomes heavy contours to explore in the light, delicate skin of the figures. Traditional oil painting techniques give way to moments of stark emotion. Look closely; truths and confessions are found in the brushstrokes.
I encourage you to experience my paintings at all levels: the macro level that expresses
my message and the micro level that expresses my emotions. The further you venture,
the more you will find moments and messages that speak to you.
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