Haig "Haygo" Dermelkonian is a Lebanese artist whose creative journey spans decades of craftsmanship, design, and painting.
As a young man, Haig traveled to Denmark, where he discovered the art of window decoration. Inspired by what he learned, he returned to Lebanon and introduced this creative craft, designing eye-catching displays for clothing and footwear stores across the country.
His work combined artistic vision with natural materials such as tree trunks, pottery, and other decorative elements to create unique storefront displays. Always eager to learn, he later began sculpting custom Styrofoam pieces to enhance his designs and taught himself the meticulous skill of hand-cutting vinyl lettering with a razor to create promotional signs and window graphics.
A sample of Haygo's window decoration
In the 1990s, Haig turned his attention to oil painting, inspired by the legacy of his late father, Jacob "Hagop" Dermelkonian, a respected local painter and sign writer. What began as a personal passion soon became a lifelong pursuit.
Over the years, Haig developed a distinctive style characterized by vibrant landscapes, expressive abstract works, and carefully crafted reproductions of classic paintings. Each piece reflects his appreciation for color, composition, and the beauty of the world around him.
Today, Haig lives in his hometown of Zahlé, Lebanon, where he continues to paint and expand his collection. His love for art has also been passed on to the next generation. He is the proud father of two sons: Berge, the elder, who shares his passion for painting, and Jacob, the younger, continuing a family tradition of creativity that spans three generations.
Painter Haygo next to his art boot