ABOUT
"From all things One and from One all things"
Heraclitus
ARTISTIC STATEMENT
My work explores the connection between the spiritual (or supernatural) and palpable reality. The feminine figure is my primary subject and is the space I use not just to experiment with color and form, but also to convey a certain inner state. I am fascinated by the human form, yet my interest lies not in replicating an individual model, but in finding a universal essence—something that is both unique to one person and common to all of us. My painting process is intuitive and free, so the result always amazes me, and it's totally different than what I had in mind. I feel like I paint all people in one portrait. In a way, the message is that we are all one in the end; there's no difference and no separation between us.
Nature has always provided that sacred space for me at all times; therefore, nature is central in my art. I think the most beautiful way to paint nature is through direct observation. And what an amazing thing observation is, as the very act of observation required for painting actually connects us humans to the Whole, making us feel as part of it. Every time I paint observing nature, I feel that I am part of all this miracle happening on Earth. And every time I feel how all that exists merges and connects perfectly and how I am part of the One, the same as the sky, earth, sea, rocks, plants, birds, insects, sand and all... My ideas originate in Eastern Philosophy and Heraclitus philosophy. For Heraclitus The One is defined by an "ever-living fire", a symbol of constant flow and regulated change that binds all opposites into a cohesive system.
BIOGRAPHY
I live in Brasov, a medieval Romanian city surrounded by mountains. The forest starts right in my backyard.
Since I have known myself, I have been interested in painting and drawing. I remember that in kindergarten, I represented my county in an art competition and won a prize: a big cake which was shared with all my little colleagues. I was a sensitive child with a rich inner world, always drawing as a way of coping with an exterior world which seemed harsh. Art was my solace and my escape from a cold world, where people's spirits were crushed by the communist regime. I lived my first years of life in Moara Grecilor, a small village in Vaslui county, so I had the chance to live in nature since the beginning of my life. I spent most of my childhood drawing fairies in my grandparents' garden, which was like an enchanted place with many colorful flowers, raspberry bushes, and a big old walnut tree. Later on, I started studying painting and drawing at the local art school since I was a child. I was painting oil portraits from an early age, my main interest being the human figure since then. After living in England for a time, I moved to Australia in 2001, where I met the great Australian portraitist Robert Hannaford, who guided me and encouraged me to start painting professionally. The next year I enrolled to study at Adelaide Central School of Art where I had the privilege of being taught drawing by artist Chris Orchard, who also introduced me to the secrets of his fascinating art. In 2008, after I got the Australian citizenship, I came back to Romania, and for a few years, I explored the greatest European museums. I settled down in Brasov, Romania, because of the mountains and beauty of the city, and my art journey has continued ever since.
EDUCATION:
2010-2012 M.A. Fine Arts, National University of Fine Arts George Enescu Iași, Romania
2005-2007 Adelaide Central School of Art, Australia, Painting
1991-1996 B.A. Sociology, National University A. I. Cuza Iași, Romania
SELECTED EXHIBITIONS:
2024 "Life", The Art Tower Brasov
2022 “Portraits”, Europe Art Gallery Brasov
2021 “Red and Blue”, Urban Civilization Museum Brasov
2020 “Hope”, Architects Order Brasov
2016 "Gesichter", German Cultural Center Brasov
2013 "Mirror", Galeria de Artă Europe, Brasov
2009 "Images of Time, Reduta Cutural Center Brasov
2008 "Nostalgia", Okian Art Gallery Brasov
2007 "Women", South Australian Living Artists Festival, Adelaide, Australia
2007 “Abstract Figures”, Premier Art Gallery, Adelaide, Australia
GROUP EXHIBITIONS:
2022 "Magda Vacariu, Profesorul si studenții”, Brasov Art Museum
2022 "The Journey", Apollonia Cultural Center, Brasov
2017 Cathedral Gallery, Fribourg, Elveția
2016 Muzeul de Istorie Brașov
2012 82 Mercer Exhibition Center, New York, Statele Unite
2012 Chelsea Town Hall, Londra, Anglia
2007 Paddington Contemporary Gallery, Sydney, Australia
2007 Royal South Australian Society of the Arts Gallery, Adelaide, Australia
2006 Artistic License Gallery, Adelaide, Australia
2006 Royal South Australian Society of the Arts Art Gallery, Adelaide, Australia
2006 Premier Art Gallery, Adelaide Australia, „Five Australian Artists”
2022-Brasov Art Museum, interactive art workshops
2022-Galeria Europe, interactive art workshops
2006/2007-Premier Gallery, Adelaide, Australia, „Five Romanian Artists in Australia”
2009- currently Magdalen Vacariu Art School Brașov, art classes and art projects with adult students
MEDIA-Publications, Interviews
Art Publication Brasov City Hall
2022
Romania Actualitati
Adelaide's Matters, Australia
AWARDS:
Royal South Australian Society of the Arts Portrait Award, Australia
AFFILIATIONS:
Uniunea Artistilor Plastici Romania
South Australian Living Artists