Vahagn Harutyunyan’s 2006 work, “After Dream,” is a compelling acrylic on canvas that serves as a bridge between his classical training at the Yerevan State Academy of Fine Arts and his inclination toward surrealist expression. Measuring 60 x 70 cm, the piece captures a transitional state of consciousness—the hazy, lingering moments when the logic of a dream begins to dissolve into the waking world.
Composition and Atmosphere
True to Harutyunyan’s background in Realism and Nature, the painting likely features grounded, recognizable elements rendered with precise technique, yet these elements are subverted by a Surrealist arrangement. The composition often employs a soft, diffused light that mimics the early morning glow, creating a sense of quietude and introspection.
Color Palette: The artist typically utilizes a sophisticated range of earthy tones, muted blues, and ethereal greys. In “After Dream,” these colors likely bleed into one another, suggesting the fluidity of memory.
Space and Depth: By blending Abstract backgrounds with sharply detailed foreground objects, Harutyunyan creates a “psychological space.” The 60 x 70 cm format provides a window-like view into this internal landscape, where the scale of objects may feel slightly skewed, reinforcing the dream-like quality.
Artistic Style and Execution
Given Harutyunyan’s extensive education and exposure to international galleries (from Barcelona to California), the execution of “After Dream” demonstrates a mastery of Acrylics. Unlike the flat application often seen in the medium, Harutyunyan frequently uses layering to achieve a depth more common in oils, allowing him to capture:
Still Life Sensitivity: Even within a surreal landscape, the artist treats individual objects with the reverence of a still life, focusing on texture and the way light interacts with surfaces.
The Intersection of Nature: Elements of the natural world—perhaps a lone tree, a distant horizon, or organic forms—are likely abstracted to represent the subconscious mind.
Conceptual Significance
The title “After Dream” suggests the “hypnopompic” state—the threshold between sleep and wakefulness. Harutyunyan uses this piece to explore the residue of the imagination. It is not a depiction of a dream itself, but rather the emotional echo left behind. The work reflects his Armenian heritage’s deep artistic roots, combined with a modern, global perspective on the human psyche.
