Self-portrait 1942

Martiros Sarian, a notable Armenian painter, created this self-portrait using oil paints, a traditional medium for artists. Looking closely, you can see the textures he’s built up with his brushstrokes, particularly in the vibrant palette he holds. The inherent qualities of oil paint, its viscosity and workability, allowed Sarian to layer colors, creating depth and luminosity. The act of painting itself, the physical labor of applying brush to canvas, is evident in the finished piece. We see not just an image, but the record of a skilled maker at work. It’s a testament to Sarian’s mastery of his craft, a fusion of technique, material, and vision. By focusing on these aspects, we can challenge the traditional hierarchy that separates "high art" from the skilled labor involved in its creation.