Other paintings by Romanian artist Dan Voinea

2024 Author: Richard Flannagan | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-15 23:55

Romanian surrealist painter Dan voinea has always been a contradictory nature. This was most clearly expressed in his early work - he was almost kicked out of school for obvious anti-communist ideas in painting. Dan shared some of his stories, ranging from the stormy start of his career to the complex writing he uses.

- Tell us a little about yourself.

I started painting at the age of 5, but I never wanted to go to art college. And although I was a completely immature child, I already understood that art can "kill" my carefree childhood. I grew up with my younger brother, who, despite his talent, eventually decided to take up painting. He thought he could not compete with me, but he regretted it later. My parents respected my interests and desires, so after graduating from high school I chose physics and mathematics.

I didn't stop painting. And, soon, my work was in the teacher's room. So, in 1987 I was almost kicked out of school for anti-communist ideas in sketches. Fortunately, the next day, the teachers no longer had any proof - one of my father's friends, who worked as a teacher at my school, stole my portfolio. So the official version was the loss of documents. I was not expelled from school, but the principal began to monitor me after this incident.

After the Romanian Revolution and the fall of communism, the competition increased dramatically - there were an uncountable number of people who wanted to enter the Academy of Arts, and everyone was as "gifted" as I was. From that day on, I firmly decided for myself that I want to be the best. As time went on, I realized that I was only competing with myself. What I did today should definitely be better than yesterday, but less valuable than what will be tomorrow.

This style of work, often accompanied by frustration and stress, has become my usual way of life as an artist. It may well be that this is my personal achievement. After graduating from the Academy, I worked for 11 years in advertising as an art director. Also, I had several exhibitions both in Romania and in France. When I felt that, although not a full-time working day in the studio was very tiring, I decided to work for my own pleasure, that is, without time constraints. I have been adhering to this style of work for almost 3 years.

- What inspires you?

Being inspired by a specific topic is much more important than painting a picture with inspiration. The original idea isn't always as good as we would like it to be. My inspiration can be compared to a performance in which real images meet my imagination. Composing doesn't have to be about an idea. Sometimes the image itself leads to the development of thought. Ideas, as a rule, form images that obey one concept, taking into account trends in contemporary art.

- What aspect of painting is the most important?

If the picture is made at a low technical level, then it is doomed to failure. If the images on it do not have any conceptual vision, it is even worse. The painting must have metaphysical value. This strict approach is the reason for my nightmares. This is why painting is nothing more than an expression of my own madness.

- How do you think people perceive your work?

I allow people to see the stories of my work, each of which can be subject to different interpretations. Many artists, intrigued, ask me to explain the meaning of individual paintings, the story I was trying to tell. This is exactly the effect I was trying to achieve.

- What project are you working on at the moment?

After a two week break, I'm going to resume work. I would like to develop the idea further, from the paintings in my last exhibition. I want to embody all ideas on large canvases. I am looking forward to it.

- Where can you see your work this year?

I recommend you such a cozy place as Beers Lambert Contemporary, where you can see my solo exhibition called "A Momentary Rise of Reason".

There are many talents in Romania. For example, artist Caras Ionut creates fantastic photo illustrations, creatively rethinking the phenomena of reality.