The 1941 portrait of Winston Churchill, captured in the Speaker’s Chamber of the Canadian Parliament, secured the global reputation of Yousuf Karsh. Born in Mardin in 1908, the Armenian-Canadian artist survived the violence of the Armenian genocide before emigrating to Canada in 1923, where he eventually refined a dramatic style of portraiture that defined the twentieth-century aesthetic.
Early Migration and Training
After fleeing the Armenian genocide, Karsh traveled by caravan to Aleppo in 1922. In 1923, he arrived in Halifax, Nova Scotia, moving to Sherbrooke, Quebec to live with his uncle, George Nakashian, a portrait photographer. His early technical foundation was built under the mentorship of Boston photographer John H. Garo between 1928 and 1931, where he observed the interactions between professionals and their subjects.
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Upon returning to Canada, Karsh settled in Ottawa. He opened his first studio in 1932 at 130 Sparks Street, remaining there until 1972 before relocating to the Château Laurier. Known professionally as 'Karsh of Ottawa,' he utilized the city’s political and theatrical circles to gain commissions, eventually securing the patronage of Prime Minister Mackenzie King. His involvement with the Ottawa Little Theatre helped refine his mastery of stage lighting and composition.
Portraiture and International Success
Karsh developed a distinct methodology, conducting research on sitters and using props to signal their professional identities. His approach resulted in more than 20 covers for Life magazine. He was a member of the Royal Canadian Academy of Arts and his work was regularly featured at the National Gallery of Canada. He continued his practice until his retirement in 1993, passing away in Boston in 2002.
Fast facts
- Born: 1908, Mardin
- Died: 2002, Boston
- Citizenship: Canada, Armenia
- Key Award: Companion of the Order of Canada
- Key Award: Golden Plate Award (1961)
- Primary Work Location: Ottawa
- Burial Site: Notre-Dame Cemetery
Questions readers ask
How did Yousuf Karsh achieve his distinctive lighting?
He utilized techniques learned through his apprenticeship with John H. Garo and his active participation in the Ottawa Little Theatre, focusing on theatrical, dramatic illumination.
Was Yousuf Karsh an Armenian or Canadian photographer?
He identified with both; he was an Armenian genocide survivor who became a Canadian citizen and built his career in Ottawa.
Achievements
- Companion of the Order of Canada
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