Susanna Kirakosyan

Artisan Organization: Susanna Kirakosyan

Country: Armenia

"I am Susanna Kirakosyan, born in Yerevan, Armenia. My journey into the world of art and restoration began early in life, although I did not immediately realize that my path would take me so deeply into this craft. From 1975 to 1985, I attended School No. 130, named after Nairi Zaryan. My years in school fostered my love for history and culture, laying the foundation for the work I would later pursue.

"Upon graduating from high school, I enrolled in a secondary professional technical school, where I specialized in miniaturist-restorative psychology. This field allowed me to blend my artistic talent with a deep understanding of historical preservation. In 1987, I completed my studies and earned a fifth-grade qualification in this unique field. Immediately following my graduation, I joined the Research Institute of Ancient Manuscripts as a senior restorer. Here, I found my passion for preserving and restoring Armenia’s historical treasures. My work at the institute involves intricate and detailed restoration of ancient manuscripts, a job that requires precision, care, and an appreciation for the significance of the materials I work with. I see each manuscript not just as a document, but as a piece of history that connects generations. It has been an honor to help preserve Armenia’s rich literary and cultural heritage for future generations.

"In 1992, I joined the Momik cultural union, an organization dedicated to the preservation and promotion of Armenian national art. As part of this union, I had the opportunity to showcase my skills and passion for restoration in a series of exhibitions, both imperialist and nationalistic in theme. These exhibitions highlighted the importance of national identity, and I felt proud to contribute to that narrative.

"Beyond my professional work in restoration, I also developed a passion for painting on parchment. What began as a hobby slowly grew into something much larger. I began creating beautiful, intricate paintings of saints, religious alphabets, and spiritual symbols. The delicacy of parchment as a medium added a unique texture and authenticity to my works, making them not just art pieces, but a continuation of the tradition of Armenian religious and cultural artwork.

"My paintings, featuring both classical and modern interpretations of spiritual themes, were met with positive reception. As I honed my skills, I realized that this hobby could become something more substantial. What started as a personal creative outlet eventually grew into a small venture. Today, my parchment paintings are sought after for their intricate detail, deep symbolism, and their ability to merge history with contemporary artistic expression. In addition to my work with parchment, I have had the honor of illustrating several significant state and church documents. One of my most important contributions was my work on the 'Declaration of Independence' of Armenia, a document that holds immense historical importance. I have also contributed illustrations for Catholicos kondaks, the mother chair of St. Etchmiadzin, and documents associated with the Armenian Patriarchate of Jerusalem. These opportunities to blend my restoration skills with illustration work have been some of the most fulfilling moments of my career.

"Throughout my journey, I have remained committed to the idea that art is not just a form of expression but a way to preserve cultural identity. Whether through restoring ancient manuscripts or creating new pieces of parchment art, my goal has always been to honor Armenia’s past while contributing to its artistic future. As I continue my work, both as a restorer and an artist, I am constantly inspired by the rich heritage that surrounds me and by the opportunity to leave a lasting impact through my craft.""