Born to an Eastern European mother and Armenian father, Raffi Zarzatian is a 23 year old Armenian-American artist born and raised (and currently residing) in South Philadelphia, PA. He is currently a student at Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, where he is pursuing a BFA in Printmaking. Raffi is an animal lover, and takes care of 6 cats and many fish, as well as a few snails. When not making art, Raffi plays bass in a soul/funk band, The Soul Elevators.

The inspiration for my art comes from many sources, the largest of which is my Armenian heritage. However, many other things have played a large inspirational role in my artwork, such as spending my childhood on the Italian Market in Philadelphia (one of America's last open air markets), my love of animals, and my deeply rooted and strong belief that all life is sacred, beautiful, and incredibly valuable. Due to these inspirations, animals (especially domesticated and prey animals), everyday, mundane scenes (especially marketplaces), and Armenian motifs dominate in my work.

Being a diaspora Armenian in America, who's great-grandparents came over during the Armenian genocide, much of my life has been spent trying to find a sense of belonging. The homeland my ancestors came from is one that no longer exists, save for in the hearts of those who survived. This is what led me to my largely historical Armenian symbolism, as I try to recreate and preserve that which was stolen from my great-grandparents, my grandparents, my father, and myself. I create a sense of belonging through Armenian symbolism, stories, dances, motifs, anything that was lost through violence I bring back through love.

The Armenian Artist Martiros Saryan once said that he wants his works to “depict the eternal nature of life, and not the momentary nature of suffering.” This is a sentiment I hold incredibly close to my heart, and a sentiment that deeply influences my artmaking practices. When people experience my works, I want to inspire feelings of warmth, intimacy, kindness. I want people to reflect on the wonderful existence of daily life, as mundane as it may be. I want people to feel a personal connection to my works, even if they do not originate from an Armenian background. I aim for feelings that communicate universally.

Raffi drinks, on average, two 12oz Redbulls a day.

Raffi collects stamps, and should you visit his home, he will make you view his entire collection.

Raffi makes fantastic namoura, which he claims is better than any restaurant namoura. It is unclear whether this is the truth.

Raffi is friends with the staff at four different Dunkin’ Donuts locations. This is due to the fact that he can’t stop eating Dunkin’ egg and cheese sandwiches on everything bagels.

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