The Central Bank of Armenia has recently released a commemorative silver coin to celebrate the 125th birth anniversary of Yervand Kochar, a towering figure in modern Armenian art and sculpture. Issued on August 14, 2024, this coin honors Kochar’s revolutionary contributions to the world of art, particularly his development of Painting in Space—a groundbreaking form of four-dimensional, kinetic painting.
Yervand Kochar, born in 1899, was an Armenian artist and sculptor whose work reshaped modern art. After studying in Tbilisi and Moscow, Kochar moved to Europe, where his innovative spirit flourished. His invention of Painting in Space during his time in Paris marked a significant achievement in avant-garde art, challenging and expanding the boundaries of traditional painting and sculpture. Kochar’s works, such as “The Disaster of War” and the iconic “David of Sassoun” statue, have become symbols of Armenian resilience and creativity. His influence on Armenian visual culture is profound, with his art displayed in major museums worldwide, including the Yervand Kochar Museum in Yerevan and the Centre Pompidou in Paris.
The obverse side of the coin features a portrait of Yervand Kochar, accompanied by excerpts from his works “The Disaster of War” (1962) and “Melancholy” (1959). The reverse showcases his “Portrait of Melineh” (1930) and “Erebuni-Yerevan” (1968), highlighting Kochar’s versatility and mastery in both painting and sculpture.
This special coin, designed by Karen Melikyan and minted at the Mint of Poland, is crafted from 925 silver. It weighs 28.28 grams and has dimensions of 28.0 x 40.0 mm. The coin is issued in a limited quantity of just 500 pieces, making it a valuable addition to any numismatic collection.