Present bouquet of Safaryan 1974

Mariam Aslamazian made this painting of a floral bouquet with oil paint on canvas. Looking closely at the picture plane, we can see a build up of many layers. Each stroke and dab is visible in the final form, retaining evidence of the making process. The artist applied the paint with a variety of brushes, some wide and some narrow, using the inherent qualities of oil paint, its thickness, viscosity, and slow drying time, to full effect. Consider how the artist explored the contrast between matte and gloss by alternating between the use of thinner or thicker applications of the medium. Aslamazian has engaged with the skilled traditions of painting, while also incorporating her own experimental techniques. Through attention to these elements, we can challenge traditional distinctions between craft and fine art.