In contemporary art, you can hardly find an example of a freedom-loving artist more devoted to his concept than Tak Salmastyan. Originally from Soviet Armenia and now a changemaker in Los Angeles, Tak defies conventional labels as he creates art that transcends stylistic boundaries. He is the symbol of cultural resilience and artistic daring, reflected through his creations of what life was like in the USSR. It is for this reason that Salmastyan embraces the title of “King of Spiritual Hooligans” as he continually defies trends, preferring to blaze a path of his own making. 

Tak Salmastyan’s Manifesto

Tak’s manifesto, featured on his website, asserts his rejection of art-world stereotypes. He writes, “I am The King of Spiritual Hooligans without any borders and limitations, a dreaming voyager celebrating love, misery, light, and darkness of the Universe via vivid imagination, spurious style, and striking color.” This declaration sums up the entire theme of Tak’s art, which invites audiences not to simply see but to feel—to experience the colors and forms as deeply resonant, visceral expressions of life’s mysteries.

Tak’s Earlier Works

Tak’s paintings made in the USA during his early years reflect his soviet heritage, and most of such paintings can be found in the Surrealism category on the website. These works have echoes of Soviet oppression and, at the same time – the inspiration and weight of his native country. This period frames Tak as a surrealist artist since this period portrays the social and psychological nature of life under the Soviet regime.

“Made in U.S.S.R.” is a 36” x 40” painting that explores the human psyche under the weight of Soviet oppression, blending vivid colors with Surrealist techniques. The title invites personal interpretation, framing the social and psychological impact of life under the regime.

Tak’s painting “Stop the World” is a 48” x 48” piece that captures a bitter reality of Soviet-era life. Tak delves into the deep societal weight of his native country through rich visual imagery of chains and more.

At 36” x 40”, “The Life’s Theatre” is a rich, surreal piece containing human organs, calling for a wider interpretation with the Soviet implications in mind.

“The Window to Freedom” is a 40” x 44” piece where Tak uses surrealist methods to symbolize the quest for liberation amidst Soviet-era oppression. His bold and unconventional form allows viewers to connect with the weight of his native country’s history. 

The Different Art Styles of Tak Salmastyan

Tak embraces diverse artistic styles, earning the title “The King of Spiritual Hooligans” from a friend and collector. He pioneered BinArtism™, using binary digits “0” (female) and “1” (male) to create human, animal, and abstract forms, exploring digital identity. His “Autoplasticism” combines Neo-Plasticism and Automatism, using the Golden Ratio and Fibonacci Sequence for precise geometric art. His “minimalist” work removes excess, focusing on purity, while “Geometric” and “Eclectic” pieces fuse modern and classical influences. Tak’s “Landscapes” stylize nature, showcasing his adaptability. Rejecting strict labels, Tak describes himself simply as an “Artist,” inviting viewers into emotional resonance beyond visual recognition.

As a master of defiance, innovation and heartfelt expression, Armenian-born American Artist Tak Salmastyan has left an indelible imprint in the world of artistic expression. His works defy categorization, and his styles—BinArtism™, Autoplasticism, surrealist-inspired Soviet reflections, and minimalist explorations—point to his limitless imagination and cultural hybridity. Tak has opened a whole new world in contemporary art that is free from any social barriers and advocates for the freedom of art in existence today.

Published by: Nelly Chavez