Self-portrait with mask 1933

Martiros Sarian's 'Self-portrait with mask' uses oil paint, applied in short, energetic strokes on a canvas measuring 46 by 61 centimeters. The density and texture of the oil paint give the artwork a tactile presence, almost like a relief. Sarian's technique involves layering colors, each stroke distinct yet contributing to the overall image. The mask is rendered with a smoother finish than his face, enhancing the contrast. The material properties of oil paint--its capacity for layering, blending, and textural variation--were essential to creating this contrast. The process of applying paint, the physical act of brushing color onto the canvas, imbues the work with a sense of immediacy. The work involved in the production process and labor is evident in the visible brushstrokes, creating a direct connection between the artist's hand and the final image. By attending to these details of material and process, we can appreciate how Sarian brought the work to life, challenging conventional notions of what makes an image 'fine art'.