Kochinian Hovik was born in the Lori region of Armenia in 1953. In his youth, he exhibited great interest in the fine arts. He started attending art school at age 7. In 1972 Hovik graduated from the State University of Armenia. During his student years, he participated in several state and nationwide exhibitions; he also had several solo art shows. In 1980, Hovik became an active member of the Artists Union in the USSR, and that gave him the opportunity to work in different cities throughout the Soviet Union.

In 1981 the artists Union selected Hovik as a young creative artist to work in Varadero, Cuba. From 1980-1990 Hovik toured both in solo and group shows. His works were purchased by various fine art museums, such as the Pushkin Museum in Moscow and the State Museum of America in Yerevan.