Worker's Settlement and Concrete Plant, Davalu, Ararat Region 1937

Martiros Sarian painted this scene of a worker's settlement and concrete plant in the Ararat region, capturing a moment of industrial development. Dominating the landscape is the factory chimney belching smoke. This symbol of modernity and progress echoes the ancient idea of the hearth, the center of life and industry, yet it also introduces the specter of environmental impact and transformation. The repetitive forms of the houses, painted in cool blues and whites, speak to a sense of uniformity. We see this symbol echoed in Byzantine art with its repetitive arches and stylized figures. Think of the architecture in early Renaissance paintings, like those of Giotto, where buildings are presented almost as geometric forms with a limited palette. These patterns reflect a collective desire for order, for control over the environment. The psychological impact of this image stems from the tension between nature and industry. The mountains in the background retain their timeless beauty, but the human presence reshapes the landscape. This interplay engages the viewer on a deep, subconscious level, prompting reflection on our relationship with the natural world. The industrial symbol of the chimney has resurfaced in our time, evolved, and taken on new meanings within contemporary debates about environmental sustainability.