9-11 is my largest and most important work. I Thought about painting 9-11, but never felt as strongly about it until visiting the memorial. I saw the remaining of the towers, the fire truck. I heard the audio of people who left messages to their loved ones for the last time… I knew I was ready to paint 9-11. I painted 2977 candles – 1 candle for each victim. There is the Fire truck which is in the museum. There is the famous wall street the day of the attack, and the ruins of the buildings. Firefighters helping each other, they are devastated but not broken, they raise the American Flag to show the world – you destroyed our towers but you can not destroy our soul. This painting is about the attack but also recovery, so we see airplanes crashed, then in the middle of the painting we see the aftermath, the devastation but also a hope for tomorrow… Left of the painting is the Memorial and the rebirth, remembrance and respect to the victims of 9-11 and the Great city of NY.
Mher Khachatryan
The Smoke Artist
Mher Khachatryan, also known as The Smoke Artist, is a professional artist specializing in smoke painting, a unique medium that captures the fleeting nature of time and existence. Born in Armenia, Mher developed a deep appreciation for the arts at an early age, ultimately refining his skills in fine art, oil painting, and experimental media. His works explore the ephemeral nature of life, drawing from themes of light, shadow, and the intangible beauty of smoke.
His art has been showcased in galleries, museums, and international art fairs, attracting collectors and critics for its mystical and thought-provoking qualities. In addition to his studio practice, Mher is the founder of Cre8sart School, where he mentors emerging artists and fosters a new generation of creative minds.
Through his work, Mher continues to push artistic boundaries, using smoke as both a material and metaphor, encouraging viewers to reflect on the delicate, fleeting moments that define human existence.