Waiting 1982

Petros Malayan’s watercolor painting presents a figure standing in a doorway, a scene imbued with quiet anticipation. Malayan, an Armenian artist, lived through a period of immense cultural and political change, which no doubt shaped his artistic vision. The woman in the doorway could be interpreted as a commentary on the traditional roles assigned to women, marking time in anticipation. The domestic space behind her suggests an interior world, while her position at the threshold hints at a desire to cross into the public sphere. The lack of distinct facial features encourages viewers to project their own emotions and experiences onto her. Malayan captures a sense of longing and expectation. The woman embodies the complex interplay between personal identity and societal expectations.