Martiros Sarian (1880-1972) stands as a giant in Armenian art, a master whose vibrant canvases captured the soul of his homeland and the spirit of the East. His journey, spanning nearly a century, was one of constant exploration, innovation, and unwavering dedication to his artistic vision.
Sarian’s life and work are a testament to the power of art to transcend boundaries, to connect us to our roots, and to inspire hope even in the face of adversity.
A Childhood Bathed in Sunlight (1880-1896)
Born in the Armenian town of Novaya Nakhichevan, on 29 February 1880, near the Don River in Russia, Sarian’s early years were steeped in the vibrant colors and boundless expanse of the steppe. The son of farmers, he spent his summers immersed in nature, developing a profound appreciation for the interplay of light and color that would become the hallmark of his art.
“I saw everything appear in the glow of the sunlight,” he recalled, “slender corn and grass alternately, covered with myriad flowers, with bees and butterflies hovering above.”
This early fascination with the natural world instilled in him a deep connection to the universe and its constant process of creation and self-manifestation.
Sarian’s artistic talent manifested early, earning him recognition during his school years. Encouraged by his elder brother, he began studying with artist A. Artsatbanyan, who prepared him for the entrance exams to the prestigious Moscow College of Painting, Sculpture and Architecture.
Formative Years in Moscow (1897-1903)
In 1897, Sarian embarked on a new chapter in his life, entering the Moscow College of Painting, Sculpture and Architecture. Immersed in the vibrant cultural life of the Russian capital, he eagerly absorbed the wealth of experiences offered by theaters, libraries, concerts, and exhibitions, all of which contributed to his artistic development.
The Moscow College, known for its progressive approach to art education, exposed Sarian to the latest trends and techniques. He studied under renowned artists like Konstantin Korovin and Valentin Serov, mastering oil painting, tempera, watercolor, and pastel. While his early works reflected the prevailing academic style, Sarian soon began to forge his own path, seeking a more personal and expressive language.
The Dawn of Individuality (1904-1909)
Sarian’s artistic awakening came with his travels to the Caucasus in the early 1900s. Visiting the ancient Armenian capital of Ani in 1902 rekindled his childhood fascination with the “magic world” of his homeland. The intense sunlight and vibrant colors of the south ignited a transformation in his palette and artistic vision.
Dissatisfied with the “beaten tracks” of traditional art, Sarian embarked on a quest for his own unique style. His early works, such as the watercolor series “Fairy Tales and Dreams” (1904-1907), blended reality and imagination, drawing inspiration from Armenian folklore and mythology. These evocative paintings, with their simplified forms and dreamlike atmosphere, captured the attention of the Russian art world, leading to his participation in the influential “Blue Rose” exhibition in 1907.
Sarian’s exploration of color intensified, culminating in the groundbreaking work “Charm of the Sun” (1905), a vibrant composition predating his exposure to the Fauvist movement. While he admired the work of European modernists like Gauguin, Cézanne, and Van Gogh, Sarian remained committed to developing his own distinct voice, drawing inspiration from the rich tradition of Armenian miniature painting.
Embracing the East (1910-1913)
Driven by a deep fascination with Eastern culture, Sarian embarked on a series of journeys that would profoundly shape his artistic vision. He traveled to Constantinople (1910), Egypt (1911), and Persia (1913), immersing himself in the vibrant life and rich traditions of these ancient lands.
“I had a goal to understand the East,” Sarian explained, “to find out its characteristic features for to further substantiate my search in painting.” His Eastern paintings pulsate with life, capturing the bustling streets, colorful bazaars, and the unique character of each region. Sarian’s palette reached new heights of intensity, reflecting the scorching sunlight and vibrant hues of the East. Works like “Wisterias,” “Fruit Store,” and “Egyptian Masks” showcase his ability to synthesize bold colors and simplified forms into harmonious compositions that evoke the essence of Eastern life.
Sarian’s Eastern paintings garnered critical acclaim, establishing him as a leading figure in the Russian art world. His work transcended the clichés of Orientalism, offering a fresh and authentic perspective on Eastern cultures.
The Armenian Genocide: A Time of Trials and Triumphs (1914-1972)
The outbreak of World War I and the Armenian Genocide marked a turning point in Sarian’s life. Witnessing the suffering of his people deeply affected him, leading to a period of creative introspection. He sought solace in art, finding a way to express his grief and resilience through vibrant still lifes and landscapes. “The art has to call a person for life and struggle,” he declared, “inspire him with hope and faith.”
Despite the hardships, Sarian’s creative spirit remained undimmed. He continued to experiment with new techniques and themes, capturing the changing landscape of Armenia as it transitioned into the Soviet era. His urban scenes, such as “A Courtyard in Erevan in Springtime” and “Old Erevan,” documented the transformation of his homeland, while his portraits immortalized the leading figures of Armenian culture.
Sarian’s unwavering commitment to his artistic vision often clashed with the restrictive policies of the Soviet regime. He faced criticism for his “formalism” and “bourgeois” tendencies, but he refused to compromise his artistic integrity. Even when pressured to create propaganda art, Sarian found subtle ways to resist, maintaining his focus on humanistic values and the timeless beauty of the natural world.
Despite the challenges, Sarian’s art continued to flourish, earning him international recognition and numerous awards. His late works, inspired by space exploration and a renewed appreciation for Armenian folklore, revealed a cosmic vision of the world, a testament to his enduring creativity and boundless imagination.
Martiros Sarian’s legacy is one of enduring brilliance.
His vibrant canvases, imbued with the spirit of Armenia and the East, continue to inspire and captivate audiences worldwide. He remains a beacon of artistic innovation, a testament to the power of art to transcend boundaries, to connect us to our roots, and to illuminate the human experience.
