Famille autour de l'Enfant (Family around the Child)

From an early stage in his career, Paul Guiragossian explored the theme of motherhood, often depicting the maternal figure in the centre of his compositions. Separated from his mother at a young age, his portrayal of the female figure reflected on his personal struggles and longing for maternal love. In his works, Guiragossian reveals his reverence for the role of women as virtuous caretakers impersonating love, hope, childhood, suffering, peace and freedom.

In the present enchanting watercolour, Guiragossian's own interpretation of the Mother and Child with saints standing by their side, the mother carries her child with affection, her hands are caressing the new born as if to embrace him and the abstracted figures on her side stand as protectors. All eyes seem to be on the child, whose features and attire, in lighter hues of white and blue, hint at his innocence and purity.
The abstract figures are devoid of facial features, becoming faceless imprints delineated by vibrant and gestural brushstrokes, yet the intensity of their emotions captivates the viewer. While the dark hues suggest a strenuous reality as if to allude to the difficulties and struggles of the contemporary society, a sense of warmth and serenity radiates from the composition and the child figure embodies hope for a new day.