the birds and trees of komitas
Inspired by the music of Komitas
and the Anatolian landscape from which it came
Located on the East wall of 2525 Honolulu Avenue
Montrose, CA, 91020, US
Artwork: Nicholas Freeman Design: Arsen Hovanesyan & Nicholas Freeman
As a pioneering ethnomusicologist, Komitas’ adaptations of Armenian folksongs have preserved and expanded the symbolic importance of their subjects. This mural is comprised of such elements in celebration of the life and work of Komitas. Commissioned by Honest Cardiology in fall of 2020.
The Common Crane, appears in Komitas’ adaptation of “Krunk”, and has developed into an enduring Armenian symbol of nostalgia and longing. Originally the subject of a medieval folk song, the Crane is pressed by pilgrims for news from their homeland. In the mural, Komitas watches solemnly as the Crane flies across the landscape, the flight as an embodiment of the Armenian diaspora.
The Swallow, from the song, “Tsitsernak”, is fabled to return to its home, even if it has been destroyed. Depicted in the mural in an extreme orientation, the swallow’s verticality recalls the shape of the Tsitsernakaberd (Swallow’s Nest), Armenia's official memorial dedicated to the victims of the Armenian genocide in Yerevan.
“K’ele, K’ele” is a lyrical dialogue of admiration, devotion and the sharing of pain. A crook-winged Quail is placed in Komitas’ hands to signify his reverence of the natural world and the spiritual care he shared through his music.
The Poplar Tree, the subject of “Chinar Es”, embodies the some of the characteristics of the Armenian people–strong, tall and resilient. Shown in full autumn coloration, the Poplar stands in visual balance to Komitas as a steadfast reminder of Armenian virtues.
Lillies and Daffodils are found in the lyrics of the Kaqalik, or “The Partridge Song”. Native to the Balkans and Middle East, the lily, especially the Madonna Lily painted into the mural, has long been a Christian symbol of grace and purity. Its association with the transience of death is alluded to in relation to the painted figure of Komitas. Yellow daffodils are woven into the nest of the partridge, bringing joyful color to its home nestled into the landscape.
The Partridge and its depiction in the Armenian children’s song, “Kaqavik” serves as the visual foundation of the mural.
The sun came out from behind the dark clouds/ And the little partridge flew out/ From the edge of the green forest,/ It brought greetings from the flowers… Hop-hop on your little red feet/ Minding your little ones.
The playful young birds greet the viewer and lead them further into the landscape.
The Apricot has been cultivated for millennia in Armenia and its color is found on the national flag. The ancient Romans called the apricot, “Plumbum Armenicum,” the Armenian plum. One of the country’s most popular instruments, the duduk, is a pipe made exclusively from apricot wood. The somber lyrics of "Tsirani Tsar" (The Apricot Tree) relate the emotional exhaustion of the narrator to the fruitless branches.
Following the line of blossoms and the young partridges at the base of the mural, sheet music holding Komitas’ compositions blow on the lyrical Breeze of “Hov Arek” (Come, Breeze). This song speaks of a young man who implores the mountains for a breeze to rid him of his woes. The mountain winds are an oft admired natural element in Armenian folk music.