Flowers of Sevan Pass 1958

Martiros Sarian made this painting, Flowers of Sevan Pass, with a wild exuberance of color and form that feels very intuitive. He’s not trying to be precise, but rather capturing a feeling, maybe even a memory. It's a reminder that artmaking is about process, about allowing the hand to lead the way. Look at how Sarian handles the paint; it’s thick in places, almost sculptural, giving a real sense of texture. The colors aren’t blended smoothly but laid on top of each other, creating a kind of visual buzz. Take, for example, the vibrant reds and oranges in the poppies, each brushstroke seems to vibrate with energy, but there is also a darkness, an almost somber quality in the darker tones. He uses these contrasting hues to create a complex emotional landscape. It reminds me a little of the Fauvist painters, like Matisse, who were also obsessed with color and emotion. But Sarian has his own distinct voice, and that's what makes his work so compelling.