In the heart of Paris, at the bookstore of the renowned Italian publishing house Skira Editore, the presentation of the book “Harutyun Galentz. The Form of Color” was held. The volume is dedicated to the life and artistic legacy of the outstanding Armenian painter Harutyun Galentz, tracing his entire creative journey, from his twenty-year period in Lebanon to his mature works created during the Soviet era.
Co-author Vardan Karapetyan, while researching the collections of 1960s nonconformist artists, repeatedly encountered Galentz’ paintings, which sparked his deeper interest in the artist’s oeuvre. Many of Galentz’ significant works, scattered across the world after different historical upheavals, were brought together into one major collection through the efforts of Artur Janibekyan. This collection became the foundation of the book, later enriched with artworks from Armenia, Europe, Asia, and North America, as well as from leading museums and private collections.
After the collapse of the Soviet Union, Galentz’ artistic legacy was once again dispersed globally. However, thanks to Janibekyan’s dedication, many of the painter’s finest works were reunited, forming a comprehensive and cohesive collection.
Born Harutyun Harmandayan, Galentz survived the Armenian Genocide as a child. His mother saved her four sons by taking them to Aleppo, but tragically passed away there, leaving the children in an American orphanage. From that profound trauma and loss emerged an artistic voice that would later become one of the brightest and most unforgettable chapters in Armenian painting.
The book’s other co-author, Marie Tomb, a specialist in Middle Eastern art history, discovered Galentz while studying Lebanese art of the early 20th century (1900–1930). She emphasizes the powerful contrast within his personality and art.«Սկիռա» հրատարակչությունը գիրքը հրատարակել է անգլերեն։ «Սկիռա»-ն աշխարհի առաջատար հրատարակչություններից է։ Մոտ հարյուր տարի հրատարակում է հայտնի արվեստագետների, նաև Պիկասսոյի և Մատիսի մասին գրքեր։
“His biography and work are deeply influential because he experienced a tragic childhood and adolescence. At the same time, he was an incredibly positive, life-loving person. He loved art, joy, women, and, above all, creation. The title of the book reflects his mastery, he was truly a master of color and form, and this is evident in all his works.”
Published in English by Skira, one of the world’s leading art publishers, the book joins a prestigious catalogue that for nearly a century has featured volumes on masters such as Pablo Picasso and Henri Matisse.
According to Elisa Impidulia, Head of Communications at Skira, the Paris presentation marks only the beginning of the book’s international journey.
“Today the book is presented in Paris, but tomorrow it will reach New York, Thailand, Switzerland, and many other parts of the world. This is the greatest legacy, when art transcends borders and becomes visible and accessible to everyone.”
Galentz himself once owned books published by Skira and spoke of the artists featured in them with admiration, considering inclusion in such editions a form of artistic blessing.
At the Paris presentation, Galentz’ son, Armen Galentz, who lives in the United States, and his nephew, Ara Galentz, from Canada, met for the first time, a symbolic and emotional moment for the family.
After World War II, Galentz moved to Soviet Armenia with his wife, the artist Armine, and their son Armen. This period marked the second major stage of his artistic development, also extensively covered in the book.
The richly illustrated volume spans four decades of the artist’s career and brings together more than 150 works, along with rare archival documents. It incorporates exclusive materials from the Galentz Museum and the Galentz Foundation, established in Yerevan through the efforts of the artist’s son, Saro Galentz. Without access to these archives, the publication of the book would not have been possible.
The Paris presentation fulfilled one of Harutyun Galentz’ greatest dreams, to see Paris, to be exhibited in its galleries, and to be present in the artistic sphere of the Louvre Museum. The book will next be presented in Lebanon and Italy, continuing its international journey and honoring the enduring legacy of a master of color and form.