KOKO HOVAGUIMIAN

Ararat, Mount Ararat

2004

KOKO is an international artist and architectural designer. He holds a Masters in Advanced Architectural Design from Columbia University in New York. His art and design experience includes 6 years with world renowned architect Frank Gehry. It was during these years with Frank that KOKO also developed his artistic language as a painter; finding passion between his two worlds: art and architecture. KOKO’s paintings have been exhibited at many high profile expos and showcases including San Francisco, Palm Springs and New York. The public response to his oil paintings are outstanding. Numerous high profile collectors have collected KOKO originals from these shows. With a strong presence at international art shows, significant accolades and huge public/private appeal; KOKO has made his mark in the art world. His latest paintings were debuted with Stephanie’s Art Gallery and are touring the U.S. in all major national showcases. In 2012, he was a featured artist for the SoulPancake network in association with YouTube and the Oprah Winfrey Network. A time-lapse film accompanied with an interview captured KOKO painting in his studio. For the first time viewers were able to see him at work. Thousands of views poured into the network and the national response was substantial. From an early age KOKO was drawn to abstract art. His mother was a fashion designer and father a culinary chef. Growing up in a household that embraced and cultivated artistic expression; KOKO began painting. His fascination with form and composition lead to his education in architecture. His background in design impacted his paintings that forever changed the course of his work. There is an identifiable vernacular in his painting that is clearly his own; KOKO’s signature style of painting. The paintings have vivid colors, strong brushstrokes and the soft touch of the human figures from his subjects. His paintings resonate with collectors seeking contemporary art of conceptual character, deep expression and resonance to the soul. KOKO also contributes his efforts in artistic endeavors within the arts community. He most recently designed a unique, one-of-a-kind, surfboard for the Architecture and Design (A+D) Museum in Los Angeles for their exhibition ‘Groundswell”: A look into California surf culture. He has collaborated with numerous architects, musicians and artists in collective shows as well. In 2012, during a venture with the Walt Disney Concert Hall, KOKO participated in the production design of the opera ‘Don Giovanni’ with couture fashion duo Rodarte, composer Dudamel and architect Frank Gehry. This successful production was the first of a trilogy of operas by Mozart that the Los Angeles Philharmonic presented. Whether painting in his studio or collaborating with larger design teams, KOKO is always developing new and exciting work for his collectors and viewing audiences. He continues to push the boundaries of his work and always seeks innovative ideas to develop his work.