The Kiss Was Off Painting

Krikor Tchay was born on March 13, 1975, in Beirut, Lebanon. With the threat of the Lebanese Civil War looming, his parents decided to relocate to Los Angeles, seeking a better future. From a young age, Tchay was deeply committed to honing his drawing skills, dedicating himself to art throughout his schooling years. After high school, he studied Art and Broadcasting at a junior college before being accepted into the fine art program at Pasadena Art Center. However, Tchay chose to put his formal education on hold, continuing to draw, paint, and explore photography quietly, sharing his work only with close friends and family. In 2014, his talent caught the eye of world-renowned artist Charles Garabedian, who discovered one of Tchay's pieces displayed at a friend's shop. Impressed, Garabedian invited Tchay to his studio and offered to mentor him. Tchay made an impressive debut with his first collection, Tangled. It was exhibited at the GDCA Gallery in Downtown Los Angeles in August 2018. This collection combines fluidity, improvisation, and structure, with single-line illustrations that convey a range of emotions, messages, and ideas. Throughout the years, Tchay has continued to grow as an artist, with his work featured in group and solo exhibitions, art shows, and private studios, earning recognition for his unique style and attracting a growing base of collectors. His artistic evolution reflects a deepening of his craft, as he consistently pushes the boundaries of his creativity and expands his portfolio.