Illustration to 'Armenian folk tales' 1937

Martiros Sarian created this illustration to 'Armenian folk tales' using paint and paper. I love the hand-done quality of the design, you can see where the artist has blended the blues and reds together, creating a sort of chalky texture. The marks are really intimate, each swirl and line feels considered. In the corners, these abstract flowers are almost like a kind of notation, suggesting a world that's both decorative and alive. It reminds me of Persian miniatures, where every inch of the surface is filled with detail. It's not about empty space, it's about embracing the abundance of visual information. What strikes me most is the border - that kind of crenelated design. It's very evocative. Sarian really understood how the materiality of paint could evoke a sense of place, or a feeling of history. I'm reminded of Matisse and his love of Islamic art. There’s something about this piece that feels like a conversation across cultures and across time.