Flowers of Sevan 1942

Martiros Sarian made this painting, "Flowers of Sevan", with what looks like oil on canvas. The flowers feel so fresh, don’t they? They burst out towards you with all of their colours. Look at how the paint is applied—it’s not shy! Sarian uses thick, expressive brushstrokes to build up the forms, almost like he's sculpting with paint. You can practically feel the texture of the petals and leaves. See that juicy red bloom right at the center? It’s like a focal point, drawing your eye in. It’s so immediate and juicy. Sarian’s probably looking at Matisse, but the way he builds up these colours with these kind of quick marks feels uniquely his own. It reminds you that art is just an ongoing conversation, where each artist adds their own unique voice. It's never about having the final word, but embracing the possibilities of each new stroke.