Arzni 1937

Martiros Sarian made this drawing of Arzni in 1937, using graphite on paper. The work’s power lies in Sarian's direct approach to his materials, using humble graphite to create a complex interplay of light and shadow. You can see that the texture is defined by the varying pressure and angle of the pencil strokes, a testament to the artist's close observation and skilled hand. It's a common material, but in the hands of a master, can create the impression of complex three-dimensional forms. Consider the act of drawing itself as labor, a kind of slow, deliberate engagement with the landscape. Here, Sarian has transformed the immediate experience of a place into a lasting visual record. So, the next time you look at a drawing, remember it's not just an image but the result of a process, a physical encounter between artist, material, and the world around them. It’s a reminder that even the simplest means can yield profound artistic results.