White chrysanthemums 1958

Mariam Aslamazian made this painting of chrysanthemums with oil on canvas. The painting’s mood is set by the muted palette, which is mostly greys, creams, and soft purples. Aslamazian’s brushwork is loose and impressionistic, suggesting the fleeting beauty of these flowers. Looking closely, you can see how Aslamazian builds up the texture of the petals with short, overlapping strokes. The paint isn’t too thick, but it’s definitely present; you can see the direction of the brush in places, like the lower left corner. The way the paint is applied gives the flowers a soft, almost fluffy look. The overall effect is one of gentle light and airy volume. The painting feels connected to the works of Berthe Morisot, who brought a similar sensitivity to paintings of domestic life. Like Morisot, Aslamazian invites us to contemplate the quiet beauty of the everyday.