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There he concentrated on both fine arts and interior design / decoration. During his early years in Europe, he supplemented his studies with visits to artist’s studios in France, as well as in Italy, Spain, Austria, and Greece. Tokatlian absorbed a wide range of techniques including painting trompe-l’oeil murals and decorative interiors. He established a company which has produced many projects for hotels, restaurants, and residences in the Middle East, the Gulf States, and in Europe. His travels for these projects have constantly brought him into touch with art, both ancient and contemporary, that has affected his work. For instance, traveling to Egypt, brought him in contact with pharonic sculpture that proved to be important.
Tokatlian found himself especially excited by sculpture, and learned a range of techniques. After returning to Lebanon from Paris, he trained with Megerditch Mazmanian, an Armenian artist living in Beirut learning more about the lost wax method of bronze casting and creating patinas. Since childhood, drawing has been a central part of Tokatlian’s art and the way he develops ideas for his sculptures. Since 2002, Tokatlian has created more than 30 bronze sculptures in his studio in Beirut. They combine tragic aspects of his family’s history, with a strong feeling for the existential challenges and spiritual yearnings of humanity. |
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