Grey-blue thistle 1978

Curator: Look at this work by Mariam Aslamazian, “Grey-blue thistle”, from 1978. She worked in acrylic paint. What strikes you? Editor: There's an almost hypnotic quality to it, wouldn't you say? The central circles of the flowers – they're dark, almost like eyes staring out. And the brushstrokes seem urgent. Curator: Aslamazian worked during a period of strict artistic control in the Soviet Union, where certain artistic styles were favored, and others suppressed. I see this piece, with its expressionist tendencies, as a quiet act of rebellion against those norms. The thistle itself has historically symbolized defiance and protection. Editor: Ah, so the symbolism of the thistle resonates within that broader context! I wonder, does the artist use specific color choices to intensify that feeling? The muted tones—the blues edging towards grey—project a certain melancholy. They contrast so sharply with the vibrant hues typical of Soviet Realism. Curator: Exactly. And beyond political readings, there is something deeply personal here, I think. Aslamazian and her sister Yeranuhi, also an artist, lived through immense upheavals in the 20th century—wars, political purges—and one could argue their floral subjects represent not just resistance but resilience in the face of trauma. Editor: Looking closely, those "eyes" are surrounded by prickly leaves that appear ready to defend the soft flower at the centre, conveying the strength of those who have faced adversity. A strong image, and the artist's commitment comes through. Curator: Her dedication speaks across time. It makes you think about art's power not just to reflect society but to gently subvert expectations, particularly for female artists who were marginalized. Editor: It gives a new richness to even simple acts of representing a flower. It leaves me pondering art's layered resilience and memory.