Serj Tankian is best known as the commanding voice of System of a Down, but later this month, New Jersey audiences will see a different side of him. The GRAMMY-winning musician, composer, and visual artist will bring his immersive exhibition to Wentworth Gallery in Short Hills on August 24, showcasing a collection of original works that merge visual art with music.
A statement from the gallery reveals Tankian’s approach as “a unique fusion of sound and canvas.” Each painting is paired with a musical composition created specifically for it, accessible through Arloopa, a free app that uses optical recognition to let viewers unlock the soundtrack as they view the work.
“I see music and visual art as extensions of the same soul,” Tankian explains. “When I paint, I’m composing. When I compose, I’m painting. Each informs the other in ways words cannot express.” He adds that his goal is to create “a deeper connection—one that invites not just observation, but participation.”
The exhibition comes just days before System of a Down’s return to the stage in New Jersey, with two consecutive shows at MetLife Stadium on August 27 and 28. The schedule offers fans the rare chance to experience Tankian’s art in an intimate gallery setting before seeing him perform live with the band.
Tankian’s visual art career began in 2013 with his debut exhibition Disarming Time in Los Angeles, where he introduced his concept of “musical paintings”—original artworks embedded with unique compositions. A statement from the artist notes that each piece is “visceral, layered, and deeply emotional,” reflecting the same intensity found in his music.
Born in Lebanon to Armenian parents and raised in Los Angeles, Tankian’s creative output—whether in music, painting, or activism—has been shaped by a global perspective and a deep sense of social consciousness. With over 40 million albums sold and a GRAMMY Award for “B.Y.O.B.” in 2006, he has long been recognized as an artist who transcends boundaries.
