Born 1922, village of Karaundt (Armenia). Studied at Azerbaijan Art School in Baku (1938-1941). Being wounded at the front was captured by the Germans in 1941 and kept in death camps of Poland and France. In spring 1944 he managed to join the French Resistance; was decorated with military orders and medals of the Soviet Union and France. Returning home, graduated from the Baku Art School; made stage designs for theatres in Baku and Stepanakert (Azerbaijan). In 1950 was arrested and sentenced by the Special panel [OSO] to ten years which served in Sevurallag and Ivdellag (the North Urals), being employed as a builder and lumberman. Was released in 1955 and reinstated in 1962. Lived in Baku; in 1990 was forced to move to Moscow; in 1995 he left for the United States.

Self-portrait. 1953 35,3х29,5