Mirrh Streaming 2010

Arsen Savadov’s painting "Mirrh Streaming" seems to emerge from a dream or a half-remembered myth, painted with fluid brushstrokes and a palette of muted greens, browns, and fleshy pinks. I can imagine Savadov building up this bizarre scene, shifting figures and objects, letting the narrative unfold as he worked. Those reclining ballerinas in their pink tutus create a sense of unease amidst the lush, overgrown landscape and jars of embalming fluid. The overall effect is both alluring and unsettling, like a forgotten tableau vivant. You can see how Savadov’s background in photography and theatre design comes through. It is a painterly version of staged photography. The figures are arranged like props. Ultimately, painting is an act of exploration and discovery. Savadov's piece reminds me that uncertainty is inherent to the process. Each painting is a record of thought, feeling, and action, a testament to the ongoing conversation between artists across time.