Shart, an artist painter of worldwide reputation, died on 12th January 2011, at the age of eighty-three. He was born in Beirut in 1927 of Armenian parents and then did primary and secondary studies with the Jesuit Fathers. At the age of thirteen he already showed a passion for drawing and in 1943 became an apprentice draughtsman in the Service Géographique du Levant (F.F.L.). In 1947 he left Beirut for Italy, then passing on to Paris where he met Carzou. In 1948 he entered the Ecole des Beaux Art of Paris but left it only fifteen days later to frequent the open studios of the French capital. He had a passion for abstract art which led him to visit countless museums in France, Italy and Holland. His first exhibition was in 1950 in Beirut.

This was the beginning for Shart of a dazzling international career of more than fifty years which made him one of the personalities who made their mark in the world of art. His works have been displayed in the museums of several countries and in many private collections throughout the United States, Europe, and the Middle East.

Many works by the artist have been sold at auction, including 'Picnic' sold at Bill Hood & Sons Art & Antique Auctions 'Art & Antiques' in 2013 for $14,000.

William Matar
Translation from the French: Kenneth J. Mortimer