Grit / Հաստատակամութիւն • Installation • Philadelphia

Commissioned as a cohesive body of work for Apricot Stone (Armenian restaurant in Philadelphia) Grit is a series of ten original paintings that quietly move between restraint and release. This balance reflects that of Armenian hospitality. Traditionally, as with many European or Caucasus regions, quiet ritual and generous celebration exist side by side, usually accompanied by shared meals. Several works embrace minimalism through broad planes of dark earth tones, pomegranate reds, and ochers, while others unfold through layered, energetic abstraction.

As to not illustrate Armenian identity directly through symbolism or representation, the paintings within Grit subtly approach themes of atmosphere and color instead. Earth shades and warm tonal relationships evoke ancient landscapes. Repeated passages of apricot-tinted umbers become a visual anchor within the works. These recurring ochers, limonites, oxides, and hematites resemble a cohesive Middle Eastern color palette creating a familiar visual language that blends seamlessly into the restaurant’s dimly lit environment. Grit extends beyond decoration to become part of the gathering experience. Armenian cuisine is a deeply rooted shared function, especially surrounding meals of traditional, passed-down recipes. Grit aims to honor this ritual through a balance of expressive movement and subtle passages of color that accompany the soft atmosphere of a tight-knit community space.

2024 — 2025

Hand-stretched, 15 oz cotton duck, 1.5 in. depth

Pennsylvania

An abstract expressionist painting with warm tones such as browns, reds, and pinks, hanging on a plain white wall between two doors, with a wooden table positioned below it. Adam Torcomian Armenian artist
Abstract painting with earthy tones hanging on a white wall, with a wooden table below. Adam Torcomian Armenian artist
An abstract painting with earthy tones hanging on a white wall, positioned above a simple wooden table in a bright room. Adam Torcomian Armenian artist
An art gallery wall with a large red painting in the center, flanked by two white-paneled doors, with a wooden floor and minimalistic decor. Adam Torcomian Armenian artist
Interior wall with two gray doors on each side and a large black chalkboard or whiteboard in the center. A wooden table is placed below the blackboard. The wall is painted white. Adam Torcomian Armenian artist
Empty wooden table in front of a red velvet canvas on a white wall with built-in cabinets on each side. Adam Torcomian Armenian artist
A large framed painting with dark colors, featuring a black background and a horizontal blue stripe across the lower part, hanging on a white wall. A wooden table is situated below the painting. Adam Torcomian Armenian artist
A square abstract painting with shades of dark red and black on a white gallery wall, with a wooden table in front. Adam Torcomian Armenian artist
Abstract painting with soft pastel colors and broad brushstrokes, mounted on a white wall. Adam Torcomian Armenian artist
A large green abstract painting hangs on a white wall, flanked by two white doors with molding. Adam Torcomian Armenian artist

Installation Images

Assisted by A. Handian

2024

A room under renovation with boxes, tools, and supplies on a table, exposed brick and drywall on the walls, and a large window with a garage door. The ceiling has wooden beams and recessed lighting. Adam Torcomian Armenian artist
A person using a hammer to work on a brick wall in a room with a window. Adam Torcomian Armenian artist
A person with short dark hair and glasses holding a large abstract painting with bold horizontal brushstrokes in shades of black, brown, purple, and red on a wall in a room. Adam Torcomian Armenian artist
A person with curly hair wearing a gray shirt is standing in a dining area with black chairs and wooden tables, holding a large board or panel. There are two dark windows with white frames on the green wall behind them, a ladder on the right side, an
A woman is measuring and marking a wall with a laser level in a room with large windows, a door, and assessment equipment on tables.
A person on a ladder using a drill to work on a brick wall in a room with a window and green walls.
A person measuring the distance on a brick wall with a tape measure in front of a brick wall inside a room. Green laser lines are projected across the wall for alignment.
A person is hanging a large wooden board on the wall inside a room. There is a red ladder nearby, and a window with a view outside showing trees. Several items, including a tape measure, safety glasses, and a box, are on the table in the foreground.
Interior of a room under renovation with boxes, tools, and construction materials on a large wooden table, brick wall section, and windows letting in natural light.
A room with exposed brick walls, wooden tables, black metal chairs, and a table cluttered with various tools and equipment, including a yellow tape measure, headphones, spray cans, and other small items.
Person measuring a wall with laser line and measuring tape, partially obscured by a red ladder inside a room.
Brass plaque mounted on a wall with engraved text about a painting series and the artist Adam Torcomian.