Razmik Hakimian

[MosJan]

A DEVOTE OF ARMENIAN ART DIES

 

Just several months ago, in 2001 autumn the presentation of lavishly illustrated books, published by a devotee of the Armenian art and culture Razmik Hakimian was held in the Armenian National Picture Gallery. The art community welcomed that day a man; an Armenian who published at his own expenses in faraway Canada a four-volume set of luxurious books, presenting the modern Armenian art. That man was Razmik Hakimian and when addressing the present he said he was going to continue that undertaking he was greeted by a storm of applause.

 

Today we have to admit with sadness and pain that Razmik Hakimian died in tragic circumstances. In the Armenian history of culture people dealing with publication and printing have always been people with unique feeling and love towards homeland. Razmik Hakimian was both a publisher and a painter. He started his activity in Beirut, Lebanon, later he moved to Canada and settling down there he continued his pro-Armenian publishing activity. His love towards Armenia, its people and culture he manifested through reproducing Armenian paintings in different books. His cherished dream was to publish a comprehensive set of volumes depicting the Armenian art in the last two centuries. He invited Shahen Khachatrian, the director of the Armenian National Picture Gallery, to help him realize that grandiose undertaking. The first four volumes were to be published soon. Another four volumes were also ready for printing.

 

Razmik Hakimian was the center of the Canadian-Armenian cultural life and its axis. All major and small events related to Armenian culture were linked with him. Similarly all relevant publications also passed through his hands and he was doing this as a benevolent work. His spouse Mrs. Huri, was his assistant. His activity did not restrict to publications only, last March he sponsored a talented violinist Jean Ter-Merkerian concerts in Canada.

 

Razmik Hakimian was of those men whose life and work were important not only for the Armenian community in Canada but for the entire Armenia Diaspora and homeland. He was full of ideas and creative plans. Razmik Hakimian died June 14 and the Armenians in Montreal have lost a man of exceptional talents, an honest man devoted to Armenian art and culture. The Armenian art community mourns his unexpected death. His illustrated books will keep his memory high and pure.

 

Armenian National Picture Gallery after Martiros Saryan

 

 

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