I am pleased to announce that in recognition of my “Adam and Eve #3” painting’s Remarkable Aesthetic distinguished among Artists across all fine art categories the Circle Foundation for the Arts awarded me the Masterful Mind Award, at the 6th International CFA Artist of the Year 2024 competition.
https://artistweekly.com/tak-salmastyan-the-king-of-spiritual-hooligans/
In the ever-evolving world of art, some artists stand at the crossroads of tradition and rebellion, of established conventions and uncharted territory. Tak Salmastyan, an Armenian-born American artist residing in Los Angeles, is one such force of creativity and innovation, who proudly calls himself “The King of Spiritual Hooligans.” Salmastyan has carved his place in the art world by rejecting the boundaries of genres and styles, choosing instead to transcend them. His manifesto boldly proclaims: “I am The King of Spiritual Hooligans without any borders and limitations, a dreaming voyager celebrating love, misery, light, and darkness of the Universe via vivid imagination, spurious style, and striking color.”
Born in Armenia in 1963, during the Soviet period, Tak Salmastyan’s journey into the world of art began in a place of deep cultural and historical significance. The weight of his heritage, combined with the complexity of his name—Takvor, meaning “The King”—inspired him to embrace a grand vision for his work. His move to Los Angeles in 1990 marked a new chapter of his artistic progress.
In his book, “Window to Freedom: Paintings by Tak Salmastyan”, he recounts a pivotal moment when a friend and art collector referred to him as a “Spiritual Hooligan.” This nickname resonated deeply with Salmastyan, and he officially adopted it. He combined his given name’s royal connotation with this rebellious spirit, declaring himself “The King of Spiritual Hooligans.” This title encapsulates his defiance of categorization and his reluctance to be stereotyped as a surrealist, cubist, or realist. For Salmastyan, art is about freedom, exploration, and the celebration of life’s dualities—love and misery, light and darkness—without the constraints of genre.
One of Salmastyan’s groundbreaking contributions to modern art is his invention of BinArtism™. This innovative method uses the binary number system—composed of only two digits, “0” and “1”—to create intricate silhouettes and images. The zero and one are used to represent human or animal forms, where the digit “0” often symbolizes the female figure and “1” the male figure. These images are a commentary on how modern life, with its binary, digital interactions, intersects with timeless human experiences.
Tak Salmastyan also developed the Autoplasticism style, which fuses the strict geometric rules of Neo-Plasticism with the more spontaneous, free-flowing movements of Automatism. In this style, the artist’s hand movements are restricted to horizontal and vertical lines, creating compositions based on the Golden Ratio and Fibonacci Sequence. Autoplasticism is a perfect example of how Salmastyan blends mathematical elements with emotional and artistic expression.
While Salmastyan resists being pigeonholed as a surrealist, his Surrealist Collection remains a vital aspect of his work. Surrealism, with its focus on unlocking the subconscious and translating the flow of thoughts into images, is a natural extension of Salmastyan’s artistic philosophy. His surrealist paintings explore the human condition, tapping into the emotional complexities of existence.
In the Minimalist Collection, Salmastyan strips away all non-essential elements, focusing on color, shape, and line to expose the essence of the subject. The result is a series of works that challenge the viewer to find meaning in what is left unsaid, in the spaces between the forms.
The Geometric Collection uses abstract shapes and forms to create compositions that are visually striking yet conceptually complex. Geometric Abstraction has a long history, dating back to ancient Greece, and Salmastyan breathes new life into this tradition, merging ancient and modern in his distinctive way.
True to his eclectic spirit, Salmastyan’s Eclectic Collection brings together elements from various styles and philosophies. Here, he demonstrates his ability to blend and adapt, taking inspiration from different movements while still maintaining his unique voice. His landscapes, meanwhile, offer a more logical exploration of natural beauty with the constant presence of the sky.
Salmastyan challenges his audience to think, feel, and see themselves and the world in a new light by embracing a variety of styles and coming up with his own. His art is not just for the present or the past, it is also about what will be felt in the future.
I am pleased to share with all of you the “Autoplasticism” educational video about my invented Autoplasticism abstract-expressionism style is the People’s Telly Silver Winner of Telly Awards in the category of People’s Choice.
Thank you, all my family, friends, colleagues, students, and fans for your votes.
I am pleased to share with all of you “The Artistic Journey of Tak Salmastyan from Armenia to Hollywood” article published about my work in US Reporter.
https://usreporter.com/the-artistic-journey-of-tak-salmastyan-from-armenia-to-hollywood/
The Artistic Journey of Tak Salmastyan: From Armenia to Hollywood
As artists advance in their careers, their work often experiences a remarkable development, defined by refinement and change. Personal experiences, philosophical progress, and obstacles are common motivators at various stages of their lives. Overcoming hurdles such as creative bottlenecks, shifting public preferences, or personal traumas add depth and complexity to their work. Technological improvements and socio-cultural shifts also influence an artist’s career path.
Adapting to these alterations may result in novel strategies and new modes of expression. The road from emerging talent to acknowledged maestro is often a story of struggle, adaptability, and unwavering pursuit of creative expression in modern art and animation. Tak Salmastyan’s life and work portray this phenomenon, showcasing his innovative contributions to art, especially through his development of BinArtism™ and Autoplasticism.
Tak Salmastyan, an American painter, animation director, educator, and author, has carved a distinct place in art and animation. His journey from the culturally rich environment of Armenia to the competitive arenas of Hollywood is marked by his creation of unique art forms. Salmastyan, who invented BinArtism™ and Autoplasticism in abstract painting, is now recognized as a symbol of creativity and cultural blending, influenced by modern life and computer technologies rather than his Armenian heritage.
BinArtism™ is a painting method invented by Salmastyan, where images are created using only the binary number system, employing the digits “0” and “1”. This method reflects human, animal, or other silhouettes with these binary digits, where “0” often represents the female symbol and “1” is the male symbol. The background of BinArtism™ artworks typically features a short phrase or word in binary code, symbolizing the integration of art with the digital age.
Autoplasticism, another style developed by Salmastyan, combines Neo-Plasticism and Automatism. It adheres to the rules of using only geometric shapes, with compositions based on the Golden Ratio and Fibonacci Sequence, and it restricts the artist’s hand movements to horizontal and vertical lines. This style, characterized by its use of primary colors and strict compositional guidelines, showcases Salmastyan’s ability to blend mathematical precision with artistic expression.
Tak Salmastyan’s tale is one of cultural integration, artistic advancement, and devotion to the arts; it begins in the Armenian creative traditions and ends on Hollywood’s current platforms. His teaching and artistic legacy strengthen with each new career phase and creative style.
In Hollywood, Salmastyan has made a wide range of important achievements. His foray into animation and filmmaking is marked by several notable works, all of which showcase his unique creative outlook. He won the Independent Filmmakers Showcase Festival’s Best Animation award and the Canada International Film Festival’s Award of Excellence, among other honors, for his work.
The animated short film “The Clone and the Tree of Life,” among his highly recognized works, showcases his creative process. Based on his paintings, this film won several accolades at the Los Angeles Art-House Film Festival. These recognitions are a personal achievement and evidence of his impact on the animation industry.
Working with famous Hollywood studios and artists shows that Salmastyan can change his approach to different projects. His innovative methods, especially in animation, have significantly influenced the industry by fusing old-school imagination with cutting-edge tools.
Salmastyan has had an equally impactful role as an educator as he has had a significant artistic career. As a senior professor at the Art Institute of California, he has inspired many young artists. He imparts an in-depth understanding of the intellectual and technical aspects of painting to his pupils via a teaching approach stemming from his own creative experiences. As a teacher, Salmastyan has an impact that extends well beyond the classroom. As a coach, he pushes his pupils to find their ways of creatively expressing themselves. Through a blend of inspiration and discipline, his teaching method pushes students to discover their own creative potential.
When we consider Tak Salmastyan’s impact on the art worlds of Armenia and the United States, we see that he was a major figure in both. His story is one of cultural and artistic metamorphosis as he travels from Armenia to Hollywood, transcending mere geography. Art and creativity are universal languages, and Salmastyan’s work is an ambassador for them across boundaries. Young artists and animators find inspiration in his work and his journey. The mention of Tak Salmastyan conjures images of originality, flexibility, and rich cultural heritage. He has left an indelible mark on the international art scene by persistently challenging the boundaries of art and education.
Published By: Aize Perez
I am pleased to share with you “Tak Salmastyan: Bridging Cultures Through Art” article published about my work in US Business News. https://usbusinessnews.com/tak-salmastyan-bridging-cultures-through-art/
Tak Salmastyan: Bridging Cultures Through Art
In its many forms, art serves as a global language, overcoming cultural barriers and uniting people globally. The artist’s work integrates tales, emotions, and viewpoints, appealing to individuals from diverse backgrounds. For example, an Armenian picture or an African sculpture might elicit feelings in someone in America, demonstrating the shared human experience. Artistic works often contain aspects from the artist’s cultural past, giving spectators a window into their culture, customs, and history. Artists also take inspiration from many cultures and incorporate these ideas into their work. Art and artists play an important role in bridging cultural gaps, appreciating variety, and encouraging global harmony. Takvor or Tak Salmastyan is one of the few contemporary artists who have successfully integrated the rich tapestry of many cultures into their work.
Salmastyan’s new approaches, BinArism™ and Auto Plasticism, demonstrate how art can bridge cultural differences and embrace modern influences. His journey from the landscapes of Soviet Armenia to the thriving creativity of Los Angeles, California, is more than just a personal triumph; it’s a story of how art transcends geographical and cultural borders. Tak Salmastyan, born on April 20, 1963, in Soviet Armenia, became a significant player in the American art scene. His artistic work and creative techniques combine cultural history with contemporary invention, particularly influenced by modern life and computer technologies.
Tak Salmastyan developed and pioneered the BinArtism™ style, a novel painting method using the binary number system to create images. This style employs just two symbols: “0” and “1”. In BinArtism™, human, animal, or other silhouettes are depicted using these binary digits, with “0” typically representing the female symbol and “1” the male symbol. The background of these images often features a short phrase or word in binary code, reflecting a direct influence from modern life and computer technology rather than his Armenian heritage.
Auto Plasticism, another unique style developed by Salmastyan, is a blend of Neo-Plasticism and Automatism, strongly emphasizing geometric shapes, the Golden Ratio, and the Fibonacci Sequence. This method restricts movement to horizontal and vertical lines, using only primary colors: black, white, and gray. Auto Plasticism is characterized by its strict adherence to these rules, combining the precision of mathematical sequences with the freedom of artistic expression.
Salmastyan’s painting and art changed dramatically in Los Angeles when he started to merge his Armenian heritage with the many influences of American society. This synthesis is visible in his distinct styles, which combine his cultural heritage and his experiences in America. His artworks, typified by this ethnic amalgamation, demonstrate his ability to manage and cherish diversity. His artworks and artistic styles, including BinArtism™ and Auto Plasticism, reflect his blending of Armenian heritage and American culture.
Tak Salmastyan developed and pioneered the BinArtism™ style, which uses the binary number system to generate beautiful and meaningful pictures. Although very contemporary, this style hints at his Armenian roots, notably in how it combines simplicity and intricacy. Auto Plasticism, on the other hand, combines Neoplasticism with Automatism, using the Golden Ratio and Fibonacci Sequence. This style pays homage to his scientific and mathematical background in Armenia but is reinterpreted through the prism of his American experiences.
These art styles and artworks are physically appealing and serve as tales recounting stories of journeys across countries and cultures. They represent a conversation between the classical and the modern, the traditional and the contemporary. Salmastyan’s paintings enable viewers to study Armenia’s rich past while experiencing America’s diverse cultural environment.
Tak Salmastyan’s transition from Armenia to America and his creative progress exemplify how art can cross cultural borders. His art acts as a bridge between two cultures, providing a distinct viewpoint firmly entrenched in his ancestry while still being broadly global in scope. As he continues to explore and create, Salmastyan’s work remains a monument to the uniting force of creativity, a beacon of cultural convergence amid the variegated world of contemporary art.
Tak Salmastyan’s role as an instructor at the Art Institute of California is just as important as his accomplishments as an artist. His cross-cultural experiences have significantly impacted his teaching philosophy, allowing him to give his pupils a unique viewpoint. In his courses, students from many backgrounds discover a shared language in art. Salmastyan’s mentoring extends beyond teaching methods; he instills in his pupils a love of varied creative styles and encourages them to explore their ethnic identities through painting. His approach to education and training reflects his belief in art as a global language that crosses cultural boundaries.
Tak Salmastyan’s artworks act as bridges linking various cultures through visual tales. His paintings, rich in symbolism and influenced by multiculturalism, allow visitors to go on a cultural trip. His BinArtism™ artworks generally represent his Armenian background, while his Auto Plasticism works embody the energy of American society. Several exhibits have shown these artworks, such as Gallery 825 in Los Angeles and Upstream Gallery in New York. They have been commended for their capacity to connect cultural disparities. Salmastyan’s artwork catalyzes international connection, providing a platform for manifesting creativity, fostering cultural comprehension, and cultivating empathy.
Salmastyan’s transition from Armenia’s historic landscapes to America’s flourishing art community showcases his unwavering determination, flexibility, and innovative advancement. His impact on the art world goes beyond creating unique artistic forms; he has played a crucial role in fostering cultural comprehension via his artistic endeavors and teaching. His ongoing exploration of new creative realms profoundly influences the worldwide art community. Salmastyan’s legacy encompasses his artistic creations and the cultural connections he nurtures, establishing him as an authentic ambassador of cross-cultural art in the modern day.
Tak Salmastyan embodies the core of cultural amalgamation and ingenuity through his life and work. The trip he undertook showcases the capacity of art to transcend cultural barriers and foster international understanding. His ongoing inspiration and education will undoubtedly have a lasting impact on the art world and beyond.
Published by: Martin De Juan
I am pleased to announce that my Koobik-Roobik Composition #1 painting in my invented Autoplasticism style received Gold Award from Global Painting Conclave in the competition of Abstract Painting 2024.
The Kisses for Grandmother won the First Prize in the Respect The Artists competition
FIGURE STUDY is a drawing or painting of the human body. FIGURATIVE is an adjective used to describe art which represents the human figure by means of figure, symbol or likeness. BOZZETTO is the rapid and spontaneous oil sketch. MODELLO is the detailed and finished oil sketch.
STILL LIFE is a painting, drawing, or photograph of an arrangement of inanimate object. Still Life can be found in pre-classical, classical, and Renaissance art. However, it was only in the 17th century that the form was recognized as a distinct genre. Still Life in French nature morte, in Italian natura morta, in German stilleben, in Spanish bodegón, in Dutch stilleven. Still Life paintings were painted for lower-class inns and taverns. OIL SKETCH is a small rough oil painting or delineation of something only giving the outlines or prominent features without the detail. A rapid and spontaneous Oil Sketch is called BOZZETTO.
Automatism #3: The third 30 seconds video from Automatism series to inspire and encourage to draw, and practice visual communication.
Automatism #2: a 30 seconds video to inspire and encourage to draw, and practice in visual communication.
Automatism #1: a 30 seconds video to inspire and encourage to draw, and practice in visual communication.
