The secret of Jansem’s convulsive lines

Hovhannes Semerdjian, also known as Jansem, is one of the most prominent figures of French modern art. He lived and created away from the homeland, but his works always reflected one story. It was expressed through convulsive lines and figures rich in dramatism. Jansem was born in Selez village located near Constantinople, in a butcher’s family. He was a little boy, when the

Turkish persecutions had already begun. His family migrated to Greece and then France. Hovhannes received his first professional education in the free academies of Montparnasse, also graduating from the ornament making high school in Paris. In 1951 Jansem won 4 authoritative awards. All doors opened in front of the artist. His works were selling very quickly, and already at the age of 37 Jansem was recognized as a brilliant artist.

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