“Silence is emptiness and I love emptiness that’s been filled. I think that every person has his own box of emptiness. He fills the box on purpose, to make his life easier“ – Gayane Khachaturian is a Tbilisi-born artist, whose ancestors where ancient Armenians – Zoks.

A 12-year old Gayane, who was permanently locked in the house following a complicated surgery, became interested with painting and later art became part of her life forever. Gayane used to show her works to Elene Akhvlediani and took her advice. Elene Akhvlediani introduced Gayane Khachaturian to Sergo Parajanov and soon their acquaintanceship grew into a long-standing friendship. Parajanov appreciated Gayane’s talent and creativity very much.

Vladimer Spivakov and Martiros Sarian wrote about Gayane with admiration. Andrei Tarkovski and Bela Akhmadulina were enchanted with the artist’s work and they thought of her as a friend.

Gayane has participated in numerous group and personal exhibitions. Following the death of the artist, her works were shown at the 53rd Venice Biennale.

Khachaturian’s works are kept in her family, in a contemporary museum of Yerevan and in private collections in Georgia and abroad.

Photo credit: 50 Women from Georgia