Sam Tchakalian

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Sam Tchakalian (American, 1929–2004) is known for his forceful abstract paintings and original use of mixed media. He is also one of the trailblazers of the Bay Area Abstract Expressionists in the 50s and 60s. 

Tchakalian was born in Shanghai, China and moved to California in 1947. He received his degree from San Francisco City College in 1950. He also studied at San Francisco City College, earning his B.A. in 1952 and his M.F.A. in 1958. Tchakalian taught painting at the Museum of Modern Art, College of San Mateo, and the San Francisco Art Institute. He exhibited nationwide in museum in galleries along the West Coast and some shows in New York. His solo shows include retrospectives at the Oakland Museum, National Museum of Contemporary Art in Seoul, and the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, among others. His work can also be found in private and public collections worldwide.