Mural 1930

Arman Manookian made this painting in the early 20th Century, and just look at that pale palette. It feels to me as though Manookian is finding the forms of the figures and landscape through colour. The forms feel quite solid, like cut-outs. It’s as though he’s building up an almost artificial diorama, something constructed. I keep imagining Manookian, alone, in his studio, perhaps longing to be back in Hawaii, and letting his brush become a little time machine. The figures are stylized, with flattened planes, and the landscape is simplified to its essential elements. This almost decorative rendering is reminiscent of Gauguin's paintings of Tahiti, don't you think? The way Manookian has handled the foliage, those banana leaves are so green and full of life. You can almost feel the humidity and the warmth of the sun. There's an intentional flatness which only adds to the mural-like quality of the work. Artists are always inspired by those that came before, and Manookian's conversation with Gauguin’s post-impressionism makes this a deeply satisfying piece.