Jean Boghossian

Jean Boghossian is a renowned artist whose journey reflects a rich tapestry of cultural and historical experiences. Originating from a family of jewelers, Boghossian honed his craftsmanship while pursuing a degree in Economics and Sociology at the University of Saint-Joseph in Beirut. However, the onset of the Lebanese Civil War in 1975 compelled him to leave his homeland and establish a new life in Belgium.

In Brussels, Boghossian’s artistic path began to unfold over three decades ago when he enrolled in the Academy of Fine Arts in Boitsfort. Even as he managed the family business, his passion for art grew. In 1992, he, alongside his brother and father, founded the Boghossian Foundation at the Villa Empain in Brussels, further intertwining his artistic pursuits with philanthropy and cultural exchange.

Boghossian’s work embodies a cosmopolitan identity, shaped by a myriad of historical events and cultural narratives that traverse East and West. He seeks to articulate a new vision of humanism in the twenty-first century, addressing societal differences and forging connections through his art. For more than thirty years, he has aimed to liberate himself from the constraints of the jewelry business, embracing a completely free artistic approach. “When I’m facing a two-by-two meter canvas, it’s above all a space for creation, a refuge and a passion,” he reflects, underscoring the physical and emotional dimensions of his artistic practice.

A distinctive feature of Boghossian’s art is his innovative use of fire as a medium. Through a process he describes as willful damage, he engages with flames in a dance of creation, embracing the chaos of smoke and fire to achieve harmony. This method—while not unique to him, as other artists like Claudio Parmiggiani and Yves Klein have explored similar themes—takes on a personal significance in his work. Boghossian manipulates the canvas through a series of techniques: folding, stapling, burning, and redeploying, creating tension and texture that invites viewers to engage with the physicality of the piece.

Jean Boghossian’s art is not merely an expression of personal experience but a universal dialogue that reflects the complexities of human existence. His works invite contemplation and challenge perceptions, offering a space where chaos and order coexist, and where the transformative power of art can spark new understandings of our world.