To the spring 1926

Martiros Sarian’s “To the Spring” is a painting, likely made with oil on canvas, typical of the modernist period. Here, Sarian manipulates the material qualities of paint to convey a sense of vibrant light and form. Notice how the thick brushstrokes build up the surfaces, imbuing the scene with texture and depth. The visible brushwork speaks to the artist's hand, a direct record of his process. Sarian’s chosen medium holds cultural significance, linking him to the history of painting, from traditional landscapes to avant-garde abstraction. But his approach here is distinct. By embracing a simplified, almost naive style, Sarian challenges the academic norms of his time. There’s a raw, immediate quality to the work that rejects the polished finish of more conventional painting. This emphasizes the beauty and simplicity of everyday life, imbuing it with a sense of cultural identity. The context of its making is crucial: Sarian lived through a period of immense social and political change. His focus on the daily lives of Armenian people reflects a concern for cultural preservation and identity.