VaanManoukian was born on 27th of December 1968, in Yerevan, Armenia, USSR.

His credentials include 12 years of apprenticeship under the tutelage of master Aram (Aramik) Garibian. He has 8 years of professional education in two Art Academies where he majored in Fine Arts, specifically in painting, sculpting, and drawing. He underwent 3 years of internship at the Museum of Folk Art in Armenia under the guidance of Master Henrik, wherein he learnt specialty subjects such as stone-etching, pottery making, wood carving, blacksmithing/metal working, and jewelry crafting.

In 1988 Vaan began hosting a series of presentations throughout the Soviet Union, beginning with 7 personal exhibitions that consisted of 100 entirely new and original paintings for each exhibit. There were another 3 group shows in which Vaan would be an integral part of. He was involved in stage design fort heater productions, plays by the likes of Samuel Becket, Luigi Pirandello, Eugene Ionesco and more.

In December 1988, with the help of the Armenian Government, Vaan presented his complete second personal exhibition, of which 100 paintings were placed on display for the rescuers who helped after the1988 devastating earthquake in Armenia.

In 1989, while travelling in Spain, Vaan appealed with gratitude to Pope John Paul II, thanking the Vatican for their swift and generous support after the earthquake. In that correspondence, Vaan expressed a desire to offer the Vatican any painting from his catalogue, which was included with the letter. The Pope had asked the Vatican Modern Art Museum Council to choose one of the paintings for a permanent installation in their gallery. The council, lead by Il Direttore Generale Prof. Carlo Pietrangeli chose the painting "The Nativity and the Adoration of the Magi", and on February 16, 1994 he personally presented the painting to Pope John Paul II.

On February 18, 1994, just two days after his presentation to the Pope, Vaan moved to United States.

The first few years were particularly taxing, as he undertook a myriad of odd jobs. It was not until 2001 that Vaan had accumulated enough paintings to participate in his first group exhibition in the U.S. He would also go on to participate in another 15 group exhibitions in the United States and Italy. During this time, he began being involved in cinema and stage design as a production designer that ran until 2008.

In 2008 he opened up ‘Gallery Godo’, a successful art gallery that existed for 4 years, which hosted 52 exhibitions and featured over 400 local and international artists.

However, maintaining such a bustling gallery was far too demanding and time-consuming, so there was absolutely no time to for him to continue painting.

In 2013 Gallery Godo hosted its final exhibition, as more time was required for the artist to focus on personal projects and exhibitions.

Vann now spends the majority of his time doing what he loves best with great aptitude and heart-felt passion– painting an indelible legacy of inspiring, and thought-provoking artistic creations, whether it be by screen or sculpture.

By Ken Gheghenozian