Anita Toutikian
Personal information
Dr. Anita Toutikian
Clinical Psychologist, Art Therapist, Educator, Writer, and Contemporary Artist
Contact information (Private)
+961 1 449451
+961 3 711131
Contact information (Work)
Green Clinics
+961 1 616310
Community/Lebanon Impact
Dr. Anita Toutikian is a contemporary artist and a clinical psychologist. She has always chosen to celebrate Lebanon with her art, by emphasizing its beauty and its contributions to the world and humanity, rather than focusing on its calamities. As an artist, she feels it’s her responsibility to showcase the country’s rich nature and culture. She aims to highlight the Lebanon she loves–the Lebanon that stands tall despite its challenges.
Her approach as a psychologist reflects this philosophy as well. She guides people to appreciate the beauty of life, offering them a hopeful and positive perspective. Additionally, her commitment to Lebanon extends beyond her clinical practice. She actively engages in volunteer work, providing care and support to the underprivileged in Lebanon.
Social Media
Education
Education:
- Doctorate degree, Clinical Psychology and Research in Art Therapy, 2009-2015, Saint Joseph University, Lebanon.
- Master's degree, Clinical Psychology and Research in Art Therapy, 2002- 2006, Haigazian University, Lebanon.
- Bachelor of Arts, Clinical Psychology, Haigazian University, Lebanon.
- Bachelor in Business Administration, Haigazian University, Lebanon.
- Diploma, Drawing, Painting and Sculpture, 1992- 1995, Hamazkayine Tross Rosslin Fine Art Academy, Lebanon.
- Diploma, Studio Arts, Emmagos Paul Guiragossian Studio Arts, Lebanon
- Diploma, Painting and Fashion Design, 1987- 1990, Académie Michel-Ange de Beaux Arts, Lebanon.
Work history
Previous Professions:
- Psychotherapy and Art Therapy (private practice), 2009-present.
- Contemporary Artist, 1991-present.
- Psychosocial Trainer and Facilitator.
- School Psychologist, 2007- 2009, Armenian Evangelical Central High School.
- Arts and Crafts Teacher, 2007- 2009, Armenian Evangelical Central High School.
- Lecturer, 2007- 2008, Haigazian University and Notre Dame University.
- Lecturer (Art Appreciation in Adult Education Program), 2004- 2005, Haigazian University.
- Art and Culture Columnist, 2002-2003, Al-Hasnaa magazine (an Arab monthly woman magazine).
- Exhibition Organizer and Co-curator, 1999- 2001, Arthur Matossian Art Center, Haigazian University.
Major Achievements
Publications (Books, Articles, Reports, etc.):
- Toutikian, A. (2008).Counteractive art from the Middle East. Beirut: Shirak Printing Press.
Major achievements:
- Researcher and trainer in the interdisciplinary domain of clinical psychology, education and art therapy.
- Activist in the advancement of social justice through art in schools and communities.
- Active member in humanitarian and cultural associations to defend women, children and family well-being.
- Art and culture columnist in numerous Armenian newspapers and periodicals published in Lebanon, 1993-2001.
Exhibitions, lectures & performances:
- Biennale of Larnaca – 2018
- Art Installation at Athens Art Fair - 2018
- Participated in the Platforms Art Fair, Athens, Greece (2018-2024).
- Participated in the "Art Outside the Comfort Zone - Fine Arts Seminar", American University of Science and Technology (AUST), Beirut, Lebanon, 2016.
- Participated in the "Trauma and Memory" lecture, DVV, Istanbul, Turkey, 2016.
- Gave a lecture on "Armenian Art and Collective Identity from 1915 to 2015", Hrant Dink Foundation, Istanbul, Turkey, 2016.
- Took part in the "Troubled Art in the Middle East" Conference, Birkbeck University of London & University of Nicosia, Nicosia, Cyprus, 2016.
- Gave a lecture on "Woman Outside the Comfort Zone" at Sabanci University, Turkey, 2016.
- Participated in the "Longing and Belonging" Hrant Dink Memorial Workshop, Istanbul, Turkey, 2015.
- Gave a lecture on "Art as I See and Do" at Saint Joseph University, Beirut, Lebanon, 2015.
- Art installation "Exbroideries" at Istanbul Depo, 2015.
- Participated in the "Can Arts Be a Means of Dialogue?" discussion at Badguer Armenian Heritage Center, Bourj Hammoud, Lebanon, 2014.
- Invited installation artist and speaker at the roundtable discussion, "Notion of Identity and Creation in the Middle East and North Africa", MENASART International Art Fair, Beirut, 2011 and 2012.
- Took part in the "Common Reflections" exhibition, Madrid, Spain, 2011.
- Participated in the "Reflections" exhibit, SOAR, Los Angeles, United States, 2010.
- Participated in the video and installation art show "Convergence, New Art From Lebanon" organized by Dr. Jack Rasmussen and co-curated by Ms. Amale Traboulsi, Museum Katzen Arts Center, American University, Washington D.C., 2010.
- Installation at the "Image et Mirage - VIeme Biennale Méditerranéenne des Arts de la Ville de Tunis" organized by the Association for Mediterranean Cultural Exchange (ECUME) , Palais Kheireddine Pacha, Tunisia, 2010.
- Participated in the Baraka Art Initiative of Stanfordville "Gaza Rebirth", New York, 2010.
- Participated in the exhibition "Repairing the World: Middle East Peace Art Project", Weinstein Realty Exhibition Hall, Pennsylvania, United States of America, 2005- 2010.
- Honored the work and the art of Senior Artist Krikor Norikian at the Antelias Catholicossante of Cilicia, Lebanon, 2009.
- Participated in the contemporary art exhibition and auction "Remains to Be Seen" organized by the International Institute for Genocide and Human Rights, Lennox Contemporary, Toronto, 2009.
- Participated in the "Beauty is the Beast" exhibition, Nicosia, Cyprus, 2009.
- Solo Painting exhibition and interactive installation, "Jyperconceptualism", Gallery Janine Rbeiz, Beirut, 2008.
- Took part in the "New Expressions in Lebanese Contemporary Art" at La Gallerie, Paris, France 2008.
- Participated in the "Algiers Cultural Capital of the Arab World: Art and Feminine", National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, Algiers, 2008.
- Participated in the "First Armenian Art Exhibition", New York, 2007.
- Participated in the "Contemporary Art in Lebanon: Possibilities and Impossibilities" Roundtable discussions at the Haigazian University Student Art Club, Beirut, Lebanon, 2006.
- Participated in the "Pinceaux Pour Plumes" exhibition at the Sursock Museum, Beirut, Lebanon, 2006.
- Gave a lecture on "How Did Art Arrive Where It Is Now: Reflections on Contemporary Art", Armenian Artists' Monday Forum, Beirut, Lebanon, 2004.
- Participated in the "Artists' View" exhibition, organized by Ms. Nadine Begdache, London, 2004.
- Took part in the "Women by Women" exhibition at the LAU Sheikh Zayed Hall, Beirut, Lebanon 2003.
- Participated in the "Quand Les Artistes S'Amusent", Epreuve D'Artiste, Beirut, Lebanon, 2003.
- Participated in the "Maison de Vertu" exhibition at Espace SD, Beirut, Lebanon, 2002.
- Took part in an exhibition held by the "Lebanese Armenian Women Artistes", Beirut, Lebanon, 2002.
- Participated in the "Artsud" exhibition at Le Palais Des Congres, Paris, France, 2002.
- Took part in the annual Salon D'automne, Sursock Museum, Beirut, Lebanon (1993-2001).
- Participated in an exhibition for Lebanese Artists in Amman, Jordan, 2001.
- Took part in the ARTUEL Modern and Contemporary Art Fair, Beirut, Lebanon, 2000.
- Participated in the "Introduction to the Life and Work of Senior Artist GUVDER" at the Catholicossate of Cicilia, Antelias, Lebanon, 2000.
- She was invited as a guest speaker at the "Alternative Forms and Mediums of Art" lecture and discussion, 1999.
- Participated in the "Exhausting the Postmodern" discussion at the Sursock Museum, Beirut, Lebanon, 1999.
- Took part in the "Great Atrophy" exhibition in Yerevan, Armenia, 1999.
- Participated in the "50 Years of Armenian Artists in Lebanon" exhibition, Beirut, Lebanon, 1998.
- Took part in the "Metropolitan Frenzy: Festival of Alternative Art" in Yerevan, Armenia, 1998.
- Gave a lecture titled "From Modern to Postmodern Art" at the Armenian Artists' Monday Forum, Beirut, Lebanon, 1998.
Accomplishments
Distinctions:
- Honorary Mention from Sursock Museum for being a "Pioneer Conceptual Artist in Lebanon", 1997.
Awards:
- Awarded First Prize form Sursock Museum being a "Pioneer Installation Artist in Lebanon", 1998.
- Recepient of the Sursock Museum Young Artist Prize, 1997.
Competences & Skills
Field(s) of Expertise:
- Clinical Psychology
- Art Psychotherapy
- Education
- Contemporary Art
Languages:
- Arabic
- Armenian
- English
- French
- Turkish
- Greek
- Persian