Gazelles 1926

Martiros Sarian painted "Gazelles" using oils on canvas, a popular choice of material for easel paintings. Sarian's work here feels different from what other artists were doing with oil paint at the time. He thinned the paint to create a more fluid texture, and applied it in bold, flat areas of vibrant color. This allowed him to emphasize the light and atmosphere of the Armenian landscape, rather than focusing on a realistic rendering. You can almost feel the heat of the sun beating down on the yellow ground. These kinds of painting techniques are not as traditional as one might think. It comes out of a mindset that values direct expression, and a close attunement to the qualities of the material, emphasizing color and surface. Looking at Sarian’s work can lead us to a richer understanding of modern art, one that integrates sensitivity to material with a deep appreciation for diverse cultural contexts.