Berc Ketchian creates a special aura with a masterful play of light on canvas. His complex compositions immediately engage the viewer. The canvasses burst with people talking, laughing, singing, drinking, and relaxing. The mood in these paintings is set by the magnificent flickers of light illuminating parts of the canvas. There is a tension in the brush strokes that is reflected in the drama presented to the viewer. We feel the warmth of the night, the gentle breeze from the sea, and the heavy scent of coffee in cup or the flowers in the air.
In the midst of these inviting settings. Berc paints fascinating character studies. The faces, indeed the entire figures, of his men and women, capture a range of emotions, a careful look reveals that in spite of the relaxed bohemian settings, the cares and worries of life are not completely forgotten. It is part of Berc’s brilliance that he captures these complexities for his audience. In the midst of a crowd, we see isolation and loneliness, friendship and sympathy, reflection and thoughtfulness, sensuality and excitement, anticipation and sorrow. However, Berc is never merely a dispassionate observer. His connection and sympathies are obvious and account in no small way for the success of these paintings. Is he, perhaps soon to occupy one of the empty chairs placed in all his paintings?
The compositions are strong and direct. The result of endless studies and sketches, they are highly personal and reveal Berc’s love of people and his deep understanding of them. The portraits offer a glimpse into their souls and invite the viewer to create their own biographies. Thus, while the paintings may appear simple and straightforward they reward the viewer who gives them more than a superficial look and appreciation of the universality of human needs and emotions as well as a window into a world which may soon vanish.
Selected Exhibitions:
1998-1997 Bon A Tirer Gallery Plermont, NY
1994 Turkish Consulate Art Center, NYC
1992 Turkish Consulate Art Center, NYC
1991 Gallery Vaucher, Toronto Canada
1990 The Armenian Art Association Montreal Canada
1990 Rabinowitz Gallery Tel Aviv, Israel
1989 Arica Gallery Chicago, IL
1988 Turkish Water Colorist Group NYC
1988-1968 Numerous Solo and Group Turkey
Exhibits
1968 Municipal Art Center San Remo Italy
Jardin Albert Premier Nice, France
Gallery Le Valloir Cannes France
Gallery Panache Moniparnass Paris, France
1967 Gallery St. Andre Rouen Paris, France
1966 Arsonvalle Library Paris, France
Municipal Art Center Antibes
St. Palu De VenceNice, France
Selected Awards and Achievements:
Silver medal / Short Film Festival Brussels Belgium for direction of Les Moment Sacree
Gold Medal award of Excellence for oil painting Millburn, Short Hills. NJ
Assistant set Director Billancourt Paris
Topkapi Museum, Istanbul Turkey, Restoration of the 16th Century Floral Panels
Art Published in magazines Pilote Paris, Rouen, and Journal Kheton Paris
Lewis Strauss Commission, Monaco France
SELECTED COLLECTIONS:
Arsonvale Museum, France
Museum of Istanbul Turkey
Museum of Armenia Turkey
Houvanian Collection
Collection of Charles Aznovour
B. Bjorg, John Wayne, Frank Sinatra, Orson Wells, Etc.