Tekening - Armeense identiteit (2024) Drawing by Sewan Bakvis

As a child I discovered the magic of drawing. It became my way of expressing myself, a gateway to a world full of possibilities and imagination. With each sketch I not only gave shape to images, but also to feelings, ideas and stories that words often lack. Over the years I developed my own style, a fascinating mix of fantasy and reality, where realistic details and dreamy elements come together to create a unique world. In my work I am both a spectator and a storyteller, who weaves a rich variety of symbols, colors and motifs from my Armenian roots.

Growing up in an Armenian family that is proud of its culture, I have always felt a deep connection to the stories and traditions that shape our identity. Armenia has a long history of art and craft, in which symbolism and spirituality play an important role. These influences are woven into my work, which often revolves around glimpses of my own perspective, but also honors the people and traditions that shape my world. Every brushstroke, every color choice and every detail carries something of my cultural background, which I see as a constant source of inspiration.

The art of self-development
I am self-taught. Everything I know about art and technology, I learned by experimenting and creating. That self-study taught me to think outside the box and find my own way in the art world. The path of being self-taught is one of curiosity, courage and dedication. It means learning by doing, by making mistakes and learning from them. My style emerged from this process of self-discovery and self-expression. The freedom of self-taught gave me the space to experiment without limitations, to explore techniques and to grow on my own .

A mix of fantasy and reality
My art style combines realism with fantasy, a reflection of my view of the world. I'm fascinated by the way realistic details can draw us into the moment, while elements of fantasy transport us to other worlds. Each work tells a story that is both personal and universal. Through my art I try to invite my viewers to look beyond the surface and dig deeper into the story before them. This sometimes means that I use symbols that are not immediately recognizable, but have a deeper meaning for those who are willing to discover them.

My Armenian background plays an important role in my work so far. Armenia is a country with a rich history and culture. And I am proud to incorporate this legacy into my work. The complexity of Armenian culture, with its combination of joy, sadness, strength and vulnerability, inspires me to tell stories that go beyond words. Every piece I make carries with it a part of this history.

Nationality: NETHERLANDS

• Nationality: NETHERLANDS
• Date of birth : unknown date
• Artistic domains: Works by professional artists,
• Groups: Contemporary Dutch Artists