Biography

David Hovan

David Hovan is an award-winning multidisciplinary artist whose career spans over forty years. Born in Beirut, Lebanon, to an Armenian family, he was immersed in the city’s rich cultural and artistic heritage from an early age. His passion for the arts led him to earn a Bachelor of Arts in Beirut, where he gained recognition for his work in local theatre productions. A prestigious scholarship brought him to the United States, where he completed a Master of Fine Arts in Dallas, Texas, followed by doctoral research in art theory, history, and criticism at the University of Illinois.
David Hovan is an award-winning multidisciplinary artist whose career spans over forty years. Born in Beirut, Lebanon, to an Armenian family, he was immersed in the city’s rich cultural and artistic heritage from an early age. His passion for the arts led him to earn a Bachelor of Arts in Beirut, where he gained recognition for his work in local theatre productions. A prestigious scholarship brought him to the United States, where he completed a Master of Fine Arts in Dallas, Texas, followed by doctoral research in art theory, history, and criticism at the University of Illinois.

After relocating to Vancouver, Canada, David expanded his artistic practice, excelling professionally as an actor, director, and filmmaker. His work in independent films earned numerous accolades before he transitioned into fine arts. Studying independently at Emily Carr University of Art + Design and working with private mentors, he refined his abstract painting practice.

Now based in Vancouver, on the unceded territories of the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh Nations, David’s abstract works—known for their textured depth, vibrant palettes, and emotional resonance—are held in collections across Canada and internationally, reflecting his belief in art as a profound exploration of memory, emotion, and identity.

View David Hovan's CV

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and Old Masters artworks
David Hovan

Artwork

  • Intervals of Dawn by Katherine van Kampen and David Hovan, abstract mixed media painting with layered drips, gestural brushstrokes, and soft dawn colors.

    Intervals of Dawn

    Oil, Acrylic, Charcoal and Chalk on Canvas, 2025

    36 x 48 in | 91.5 x 122 cm

  • Title: Renewal,Abstract mixed media painting with layered textures and vibrant red, green, and yellow tones by David Hovan, expressing movement and renewal.

    Renewal

    Mixed Media on Canvas, 2025

    40 x 30 in | 102 x 76 cm

  • Title: Sea of Euphoria, Abstract mixed media painting with deep blue tones and vibrant orange and yellow accents by David Hovan, expressing movement and emotional energy.

    Sea of Euphoria

    Mixed Media on Canvas, 2024

    36 x 36 in | 92 x 92 cm

  • Title: Cosmic Horizon, Abstract mixed media painting with deep blue tones, orange accents, and energetic splashes by David Hovan, evoking a cosmic horizon and dynamic movement.

    Cosmic Horizon

    Mixed Media on Canvas, 2024

    36 x 36 in | 92 x 92 cm

  • Title: Rhapsody, Abstract mixed media painting with layered grey and blue textures and warm accents by David Hovan, expressing rhythmic movement and emotional depth.

    Rhapsody

    Mixed Media on Canvas, 2023

    24 x 24 in | 61 x 61 cm

  • Title: Moods_no. 2, Abstract mixed media painting with layered textures and expressive brushwork in pink, black, white, and teal by David Hovan.

    Moods No.2

    Mixed Media on Canvas, 2023

    12 x 12 in | 31 x 31 cm

  • Title: Crispy Edges, Abstract mixed media painting with geometric shapes and layered textures in yellow, green, and neutral tones by David Hovan.

    Crispy Edges

    Mixed Media on Wood Panel, 2018

    36 x 36 in | 92 x 92 cm

  • Title: Earth in Motion, Abstract mixed media painting with earthy brown, black, and copper tones and dynamic white gestural lines by David Hovan.

    Earth in Motion

    Mixed Media on Canvas, 2024

    36 x 30 in | 92 x 76 cm

  • Title: Terra Nova, Abstract mixed media painting with earthy browns, muted blues, and dynamic white gestural lines by David Hovan.

    Terra Nova

    Mixed Media on Canvas, 2024

    36 x 30 in | 92 x 76 cm

  • Title: The Seduction,Abstract acrylic painting with deep red and golden tones, layered textures, and expressive forms by David Hovan.

    The Seduction

    Acrylic on Canvas, 2019

    36 x 36 in | 92 x 92 cm

  • Title: Kits Storm, Abstract acrylic painting with black, orange, and gold tones, dynamic brushstrokes, and textured surfaces by David Hovan.

    Kits Storm

    Acrylic on Canvas, 2020

    24 x 30 in | 61 x 76 cm

  • Title: Ascent, Abstract acrylic painting with red, black, and yellow tones, dynamic vertical brushstrokes, and intense texture by David Hovan.

    Ascent

    Acrylic on Board, 2023

    12 x 12 in | 30 x 30 cm

  • Title: Daydream 1,Abstract acrylic painting with soft vibrant colors and playful brushstrokes by David Hovan, part of the Daydream series.

    Daydream 1

    Acrylic on Canvas, 2021

    10 x 10 in | 25.5 x 25.5 cm

  • Title: Daydream 2,Small abstract acrylic painting with gentle color transitions by David Hovan from the Daydream series.

    Daydream 2

    Acrylic on Canvas, 2021

    10 x 10 in | 25.5 x 25.5 cm

  • Expressive abstract acrylic painting with vibrant colors by David Hovan, Daydream 3.

    Daydream 3

    Acrylic on Canvas, 2021

    10 x 10 in | 25.5 x 25.5 cm

  • Abstract acrylic painting with layered soft colors and playful movement by David Hovan, Daydream 4.

    Daydream 4

    Acrylic on Canvas, 2021

    10 x 10 in | 25.5 x 25.5 cm

  • Small abstract acrylic painting with vibrant accents and free brushwork by David Hovan, Daydream 5.

    Daydream 5

    Acrylic on Canvas, 2021

    10 x 10 in | 25.5 x 25.5 cm

  • Minimal yet expressive abstract acrylic painting by David Hovan, Daydream 6.

    Daydream 6

    Acrylic on Canvas, 2021

    10 x 10 in | 25.5 x 25.5 cm

  • Title: Daydream 7, Abstract acrylic painting with warm tones and gentle movement by David Hovan, Daydream No. 7.

    Daydream 7

    Acrylic on Canvas, 2021

    10 x 10 in | 25.5 x 25.5 cm

  • Small abstract acrylic painting with layered color and gentle gestures by David Hovan, Daydream No. 8.

    Daydream 8

    Acrylic on Canvas, 2021

    10 x 10 in | 25.5 x 25.5 cm

  • Title: Rise & Shine, Abstract acrylic painting with vibrant splashes of blue, gold, and red by David Hovan, expressing renewal and joyful energy.

    Rise & Shine

    Acrylic on Canvas, 2023

    20 x 16 in | 51 x 41 cm

  • Abstract Art. Title: Untitled, Mixed Media, 48x36 in, 2023, Framed by Contemporary Canadian Artist David Hovan.

    Untitled – SOLD

    Mixed Media on Canvas

    48 x 36 in | 102 x 92 cm

  • Abstract Art. Title: Break Free, Acrylic on Canvas, 24x36 in by Contemporary Canadian Artist David Hovan.

    Break Free – SOLD

    Acrylic on Canvas

    24 x 36 in | 61 x 92 cm

  • Abstract Art. Title: Composition Ⅰ, original-acrylic-on-canvas-10x10 in by Contemporary Canadian Artist David Hovan.

    Composition Ⅰ – SOLD

    Acrylic on Canvas

    10 x 10 in | 26 x 26 cm

  • Abstract Art. Title: Composition Ⅱ, original acrylic on canvas,10x10 in by Contemporary Canadian Artist David Hovan.

    Composition Ⅱ – SOLD

    Acrylic on Canvas

    10 x10 in | 26 x 26 cm

  • Abstract Art. Title: Composition Ⅲ, acrylic on canvas, 10x10 in by Contemporary Canadian Artist David Hovan.

    Composition Ⅲ – SOLD

    Acrylic on Canvas

    10 x 10 in | 26 x 26 cm

  • Abstract Art. Title: Third Beach, Original Acrylic on Canvas,18x24 in by Contemporary Canadian Artist David Hovan.

    Third Beach – SOLD

    Acrylic on Canvas

    18 x 24 in | 46 x 61 cm