Behind The Scenes is a compelling 60 x 70 cm acrylic on canvas by the Yerevan-born artist Vahagn Harutyunyan. Created in 2006, the piece serves as a sophisticated synthesis of the various styles Harutyunyan mastered throughout his formal education at the Yerevan State Academy of Fine Arts, blending elements of Realism with a haunting, Surrealist undertone.
Composition and Narrative
The painting invites the viewer into a space that feels simultaneously intimate and theatrical. True to its title, the work explores the concept of the “unseen” or the “preparatory.” The composition is characterized by:
Spatial Depth: Harutyunyan utilizes his background in Realism to create a tangible sense of volume, yet he distorts the perspective slightly to introduce a dreamlike, Surrealist quality.
The Interplay of Light and Shadow: The use of acrylics is handled with the precision of oil, featuring smooth transitions and a dramatic chiaroscuro effect that highlights specific objects while leaving the “backstage” in atmospheric mystery.
Symbolic Still Life: Within the frame, everyday objects are elevated to symbols. The artist’s penchant for Still Life is evident in the meticulous rendering of textures—be it the drape of a heavy curtain, the grain of wooden props, or the cold sheen of metallic surfaces.
Style and Technique
The painting reflects Harutyunyan’s diverse stylistic associations. While the technical execution is grounded in Realism, the arrangement of the elements suggests an Abstract logic where form and color take precedence over literal representation.
Color Palette: The palette is likely dominated by earthy, muted tones—ochres, deep umbers, and muted blues—punctuated by sharp highlights that draw the eye to the “narrative” focal point of the scene.
Brushwork: There is a controlled fluidity in the brushwork, showcasing the artist’s rigorous training at the Panos Terlemezyan College and the State Academy. The surfaces appear polished, yet there is an underlying energy that hints at the “Nature” and organic forms the artist often explores.
