INTRODUCING THE ARTIST JOHN GUEVHERIAN
Gibrahayer
Sep 08, 2008
John Guevherian was born in Addis-Ababa, Ethiopia in 1948. He is the
grandson of Rev. Hovhannes Guevherian, the first Pastor of Armenians
in Ethiopia (1877-1957). After finishing his elementary education in
his hometown, he came to Cyprus to study at the renowned educational
establishment, the Melkonian Educational Institute from 1962-1967. He
then continued his education at the American University of Beirut,
Lebanon (A.U.B.) from where he has obtained his degree in Architecture
in 1973, with honors.
John Guevherian is an architect by profession. He has distinguished
himself in his professional domain of architecture by participating
successfully in numerous Pan-Cyprian architectural competitions
and winning several first prizes, including the Headquarters of the
Cyprus Sports Organisation (KOA) in Nicosia, the "Kition" covered
athletics Centre in Larnaca, including the Olympic swimming pool and
a Housing Project in the Nicosia suburb of Kaimakli of the Cyprus
Land Development Organisation. His other prizes include the Ministry
of Foreign Affairs and the Sports Centre in Agros and Limassol.
Guevherian is actively involved in the Armenian community life
in Cyprus. He has designed and supervised the construction of the
monument for the victims of the Armenian Genocide which was erected
at =0 Athe Armenian churchyard in Nicosia in 1990.
Equally significant is his artwork. His exhibitions have always been
very successful and well appreciated by the art-loving public. Some
constructional and cubist elements hint at the dual role of Guevherian,
tha t of the Architect and the Artist.
Guevherian’s deeply rooted love and nostalgia for his homeland Armenia
is apparent from his many paintings of ancient Armenian churches and
monasteries as well as his use of the different Armenian motifs and
symbols in his works. Likewise, the artist’s connection with Cyprus and
his love for Greek Culture is equally strong and remains the subject
for many of his creations which are inspired from the unique Cyprus
landscape and the Greek mythology.
John Guevherian is married and has two daughters. He lives and works
in Cyprus and he maintains a serious and steady presence in the art
world with his solo exhibitions as well as participation in various
group exhibitions.