ARTIST

Hrair Sarkissian (b.1973) is being introduced to Korea for the first time through GIAF25. He Honed his foundational skills in photography at his father’s studio in Damascus, an experience that has deeply influenced his perspective and artistic practice. Sarkissian’s photographic works are characterized by the themes of “exploration” and the dichotomy of visibility/invisibility, which connect to his process of seeking answers to personal memories and backgrounds. Through this exploration, Sarkissian delves into stories that are either overlooked or cannot be addressed within history, often capturing desolate landscapes and locations where human presence is felt but not seen. The contrast between visibility and invisibility lies at the core of his work, guiding the audience to uncover deeper meanings hidden beneath the surface and encouraging a reevaluation of broader historical or social narratives.   
 
His major solo exhibitions include Wolverhampton Art Gallery (2025), Fotografisk Center, Copenhagen (2024), Bonnefanten Museum, Maastricht (2022), Sharjah Art Foundation (2021), The Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth (2020), Fondazione CariSpezia (2015). Selected recent exhibitions include British Art Show 9, the 14th Sharjah Biennial, Sursock Museum, Imperial War Museum, the Baltic Contemporary Art Centre, the 10th Bamako Encounters African Biennial of Photography, the Armenian Pavilion at the 56th Venice Biennial (awarded the Golden Lion), Tate Modern, the New Museum, and Mori Art Museum. Sarkissian sits on the Advisory Board of the Arab Image Foundation in Beirut.