Marcos Grigorian, known artistically as Grigori Marc (December 5, 1925 – August 27, 1977), was a renowned Iranian-Armenian artist celebrated for his significant contributions to modern art and his integration of national traditions with avant-garde techniques. While his role in introducing Armenian artistic motifs to the global stage is widely recognized, lesser-discussed aspects of his work reveal deeper layers of his artistic identity, emphasizing his role as a bridge between cultures.

Grigorian often employed unconventional media such as fabric, wood, and found objects, imparting a tactile quality to his Artworks and inviting audiences to engage with them beyond mere visual appreciation. This approach simultaneously referenced Armenian craft traditions and aligned with modernist movements that emphasize materiality. His remarkable ability to blend historical and contemporary themes drew inspiration from ancient manuscripts and Armenian architectural motifs, which he reinterpreted within modern compositions. This neo-traditionalist perspective established a dialogue between past and present, celebrating cultural heritage while exploring new artistic horizons.

A defining characteristic of Grigorian’s art is its symbolic richness, often subtly embedded within his works. He skillfully incorporated symbolic elements from both Iranian and Armenian traditions, not merely as decorative motifs but as narrative tools that conveyed shared histories and cultural connections. His works frequently explored themes of displacement, identity, and resilience, delicately reflecting the diasporic experience.

Art critic Karim Emami, writing in Kayhan International, highlighted Grigorian’s pivotal role in Iranian modern art:
“Grigorian is one of the pioneers of modern art in Iran. With comprehensive knowledge of modern art, he returned to Iran and, through the establishment of Gallery Esthetique, organized numerous exhibitions for emerging artists such as Sohrab Sepehri, Sirak Melkumians, Morteza Momayez, Darvish, and others. Iranian modern art owes much to Grigorian for his efforts to provide direction and guidance to young artists, efforts that deserve recognition.”
(Source: Neo-traditionalism and Modern Iranian Painting: The Saqqakhaneh School in the 1960s, Hamid Keshmirshekan, 2005)

From December 3, 2024, to January 12, 2025, the Tehran Museum of Contemporary Art, in collaboration with the Marcos Grigorian Foundation and supported by Liikeh Art Factory, hosted a joint project titled ” A Retrospective of Marcos Grigorian (On the occasion of the 100^th birthday).“ The exhibition featured a collection of Grigorian’s most iconic works, archival materials documenting his artistic journey, and films exploring his impact on contemporary art movements in Iran and Armenia.

The event showcased rarely seen pieces, including Grigorian’s experimental works in texture-focused and conceptual art. A key highlight of the program was a commemorative ceremony held at the museum’s auditorium, featuring speeches by:

• Mehdi Hosseini (painter and Grigorian’s close friend)
• Hassan Mourizinejad (painter and art critic)
• Hamidreza Zeinali (documentary filmmaker and director of the film on Grigorian)
• Michel Allaverdian (session moderator, exhibition curator, and President of the Marcos Grigorian Foundation).

The panel focused on uncovering lesser-known dimensions of Grigorian’s art and legacy.

Supporting such initiatives is vital for the Iranian art community to gain greater international recognition. By sponsoring this exhibition, Liikeh Art Factory aimed to contribute to this important cause. We hope to see more collaborations of this nature in the future, as they play a crucial role in promoting artists and preserving cultural heritage. Supporting these programs not only revitalizes the art industry but also inspires contemporary artists to continue their creative journeys.