Under the trees 1904

Martiros Sarian created “Under the Trees” without indicating when, using an array of colors to depict the light, shadow and forms beneath the tree canopy. Sarian was an Armenian painter whose work carries the weight of his cultural heritage and the tumultuous history of the early 20th century. This piece could be read through the lens of cultural identity and survival, given that Sarian lived through the Armenian Genocide and other conflicts. Sarian developed alternative narratives of resilience, using the interplay of light and shadow to hint at hidden depths, perhaps mirroring the untold stories and the resilience of a people marked by historical trauma. Consider how Sarian uses color and form to evoke a sense of place and belonging, offering a moment of respite under the trees. "Under the Trees" reflects themes of perseverance while dealing with personal and collective memory.