To say that Arbe’s work is passionate is an understatement. Layers of emotions play off the canvas whether he’s interpreting human form or inanimate objects. This is an artist whose life experience has added a dimension to his work that both collectors and critics find sensual and consuming.

Born in 1958 in Yerevan, Armenia, art was in Arbe’s blood. By the time he was 12 years old Arbe held his first exhibition. And years later he graduated from university with the highest art degree offered and became a member in the exclusive Young Artists Union of the USSR.

1984 proved to be a turning point for Arbe when he was granted permission to come to the United States.

But it was not an easy life for this determined immigrant. Poverty was constantly knocking at his door. But as Arbe worked menial jobs day and night, he would return to his small apartment where he had set up a small area with his easel and his paints. Throughout it all Arbe had faith that his artistic life would flourish.

By 1989 Arbe had built up a clientele large enough to enable him to paint full-time. A growing number of people had come to appreciate Arbe’s work that celebrated the beauty of the human form, the sensuality of stolen moments, the raw necessity of love, and the influence of music and the arts on our psyche.

And today it’s clear that Arbe’s passion and perseverance have shown him to be one of the most interesting collectible artists of our day.