Illustration to Yeghishe Charents' "Country of Nairi" - Escape of nairyans 1933

This is a black and white illustration by Martiros Sarian to Yeghishe Charents' "Country of Nairi" showing the escape of nairyans. I can just imagine Sarian in his studio, grappling with this scene, trying to get the right amount of chaos and tension, figuring out how to make the buildings seem like they're about to topple over. The dramatic monochrome palette really amplifies the feeling of urgency and fear, and the buildings tilting at impossible angles really crank up the anxiety. I can almost feel the artist's hand moving swiftly across the surface, capturing the frenzied energy of the crowd. I see the influence of German Expressionism in the distorted forms and stark contrasts, which reminds me of artists like Kirchner and Beckmann. But Sarian brings his own unique vision to the table, infusing the scene with a sense of cultural memory and historical weight. In painting, we're all having a conversation with each other across time, borrowing, stealing, and transforming ideas as we go. It's messy and unpredictable, but that's what makes it so exciting.