Illustration to 'Armenian folk tales' 1937

This ink drawing illustrates an Armenian folk tale, brought to life through layers of transparent washes. It’s all about the push-and-pull of dark and light, a real balancing act. The materiality of the ink is key here. It’s thin, fluid, almost like watercolor, but with the starkness of black and white. Look at the way the ink bleeds into the paper, creating soft edges and hazy forms. It's as if the image is emerging from a dream. Then, there are the sharp, decisive lines that define the figures. Notice how the artist uses these contrasting marks to create a sense of depth and movement. This piece reminds me a little of Odilon Redon's dreamlike imagery, where the line between reality and fantasy blurs. Ultimately, it's up to us to find our own meaning in this evocative image.