Illustration to 'Armenian folk tales' 1937

Curator: Ah, this strikes me as utterly whimsical—almost dreamlike, wouldn't you say? Editor: Indeed. Here we have Martiros Sarian's illustration from 1937 for "Armenian Folk Tales," a print rendered primarily in ink, with elements of pen work and linocut. The narrative structure, naturally, invites an analysis of its formal properties to see how meaning is constructed. Curator: See, it just feels…magical. Like stumbling upon a secret in a dusty old book. That crowned figure enthroned amongst swirling shapes almost looks like a benevolent serpent king. Editor: Notice the intricate interplay between the black ink lines and the negative space, which creates a palpable sense of depth. The repetition of forms such as the coiled shapes that emanate around this figure and those of the pattern that seem to mimic him, create a certain rhythm to guide our eye across the picture plane. The stark contrast furthers this effect. Curator: Totally! It reminds me of those bedtime stories my grandmother used to tell. Heroes, mythical beasts, a world where anything is possible. I almost feel as though those very lines hold the key to unlocking this mythos, don’t you think? Editor: That would be a grand interpretative approach to make the leap and declare that it’s an ode to childhood storytelling. More modestly put, and if we are concerned only with the form, consider the balance of light and dark reinforces the subject/background relationship, yes. However, in my opinion, this ultimately creates an artificial hierarchy in the viewing process that only leads one down an intended artistic avenue, therefore limiting the work's other possible significations. Curator: And look how small the figure on the left is drawn— a bit over the top and romanticized maybe? But oh so compelling. Editor: Certainly. Let us appreciate the rich tapestry of symbols and the bold confidence with which Sarian brings Armenian folklore to life through stark yet delicate lines. Curator: It all comes together in the most beautifully bizarre way, offering just enough insight to let our imaginations run wild. Editor: And just as vital, we are invited to think through this technique in juxtaposition to our interpretations. Perhaps Sarian is speaking to what we miss if we ignore these considerations.