Welcome! This page is dedicated to Honorary Artist of Armenia Ashot Melkonyan (1930 – 2009). Melkonyan is associated with Neorealism and mainly devoted
Ashot Melkonian was born in Rostov-on-Don, in 1930. He started modeling his artistic identity rather early. He grew up in Leninakan (nowadays Gyumri), Armenia, where his family moved in 1935 when he was 5. His mother, who was an artist and a teacher, taught him to love and understand music, and his uncle, who was a stage designer, introduced him to painting. During World War II, Melkonian studied in S. Merkurov art school and at the same time worked in the theater of Gyumri. In those years, he greatly benefited from powerful influence of Melikset Svakchyan, one of the most brilliant Armenian artists and stage designers.
Thereafter in 1946 the young artist moved to Yerevan. He first attended P.Terlemezian Art College (1946–50) and then graduated from Yerevan Academy of Arts (1956). In those years, he became an ardent student of national cultural heritage and the world masters. Deep love towards the culture and music of his native people made him dedicate his diploma to Komitas. The painting, which depicts, against a scenic background, Komitas in the midst of boys and girls, immediately caught the eye with its rhythmical color scheme, harmonious composition and delicate hues. Ashot Melkonian was a member and in 1973 was elected to the board of the Union of Artists of Armenia. Was a lecturer of Fine arts in Yerevan State Pedagogical University. Ashot Melkonian was awarded the title of an Honorary Artist of Armenia in 1977. In 1997, he moved to Fresno, California, US. After being in the US he participated in several exhibitions in Los Angeles, New York and Fresno.