Introduction
“I wanted to relive the past.”
“Why?” I asked.
“Because it seemed more beautiful. I miss it, it was different… slower… more colorful.” That’s what Ciprian told me when he wanted to capture the feeling of nostalgia in this work.
How many of us often drift back in thought to the past? Yearning perhaps for moments we were unaware of, which we may have tried to hurry through so we could be adults too… But it was precisely that innocent ignorance that could give birth to the numerous feelings we’ve all experienced. Because if we had known beforehand, we would have just been adults in children’s bodies. I believe, however, that we all long for the ignorance with which we navigated the world for the first time, for the surrender of responsibility and for the play we abandoned with maturation, no matter how small this desire for liberation may be.
Besides evoking memories of the past, “Nostalgia” also represents a harbinger for the future, offering us two choices: Either we remain stuck in the pain of beauty, or we fight to create a brighter present. The painted face seems trapped in the past, in the sadness of pleasant memories. Is this what people want to feel? To be held captive by their own minds in a past beautified by ignorant feelings? Or are we capable and brave enough to become masters of our destiny, to build through our own power new memories to cherish and take control that we want to give up because of the weight of responsibilities?
This is the dilemma of the work “Nostalgia”.
For some, it might be a piece that symbolizes the finality of destiny, while for others, it might be a fierce motivator for a more optimistic future.
The choice belongs to each individual.
Artistic Movement:
The painting “Nostalgia” fits within the style of Abstract Expressionism, with strong influences from Fauvism. Abstract Expressionism emphasizes the expression of emotions and inner states through abstract forms and intense colors.
Working Style:
Rotaru uses Acrylic on Canvas in an expressive and bold manner. The brushwork is energetic, and the colors are applied in thick layers, creating a rich and dynamic texture. The color application technique is reminiscent of Jackson Pollock’s works and his dripping, but with a more organized structure and emphasis on portraiture.
Color and Composition
The color palette is vibrant and diverse, with shades of blue, red, yellow, and green dominating the composition, and sporadic touches of violet and orange. These colors are applied expressively, creating a powerful visual impact. The composition is centered on the face, with the eyes as a focal point, drawing the viewer’s gaze and maintaining attention on the intense expressiveness behind the meaningful colors.
- Flowing colors: The dripping colors symbolize memories dissolving and mixing in the mind, losing their precise contours and becoming part of a continuous flow of feelings and images.
- Red: Symbolizes the passion and pain of the past.
- Yellow: Represents moments of happiness and brilliance in memories.
- Blue: Suggests sadness and melancholy.
- White and Black: Indicates the contrast between clear and fading memories, the duality between past and present.
- Orange: Evokes feelings of joy, enthusiasm, and vitality.
- Purple: Conveys spirituality, mystery, and inner reflection.
Interpretation of Symbols
- The realistically painted eyes represent the real person behind the memories, the human soul that wages an eternal struggle for presence, being, in moments of weakness, seduced and kidnapped by memories of the past or possibilities of the future.
- The implacable, expressionless face suggests deep introspection and intense remembrance of the intoxicating, perhaps uplifting feelings of the past, but also a note of pain.
- The dripping of colors represents all the pleasant memories a person can have, which are suffocated by the relentless passage of time.
- The colors appear to be perspired, following their evaporation, disappearing as quickly as they appeared. This phenomenon reminds us of the ephemeral nature of pleasant moments, those moments that impact us and guide us in life toward an “eternally” better future.
- Childhood is a central symbol, as every adult has one, and a nostalgic past will automatically be connected to it. It is among the purest and most wonderful periods of a person’s life, as we discover the world around us for the first time. The past, for many, is often more coveted than the future, because it offers security, because we already know what happens, because we surrender responsibilities and feel the comfort of being reckless. Unfortunately, we appreciate it after it’s finished, because, often, we are somewhat unconscious of it while it’s happening.
The central face is represented in a fragmented and vibrant way, symbolizing the complexity and dynamism of human memory. The realistic eyes suggest human presence and awareness, while the colors dripping down the face represent passing memories dissolving in time. The contrast between the realistic eyes and the rest of the face suggests a mixture of reality and perception, between what is alive and what is remembered.
The painting, through all its symbols, guides us to introspection, inviting the viewer to transpose themselves into their own past and relive the pure memories that were experienced.
“Nostalgia” is a reference point for any person who has made the transition from childhood to adult life, who has managed, ultimately (and unfortunately) to suppress their inner child to become a stronger version, capable of facing life’s vicissitudes.
Associations and Inspirations
- Henri Matisse (Fauvism): The use of vibrant and contrasting colors recalls Matisse’s works, especially his Fauvist portraits.
- Wassily Kandinsky: The abstract influences and use of colors to express emotions are in line with Kandinsky’s style.
- Jackson Pollock: The color application technique and texturing are reminiscent of Pollock’s characteristic dripping.
- Franz Kline: For the abstract and energetic forms that convey emotion and dynamism.
Evoked Feelings
The painting evokes feelings of nostalgia and melancholy for the inexorable passage of time. The realistic eyes express deep introspection and awareness of the ephemeral nature of memories. The vibrant colors and dynamism of the brushwork suggest strong and complex emotions associated with remembering the past.
However, through the lens of optimism, some might feel ambitious and determined.
Ideal Usage
The painting “Nostalgia” can be placed in various spaces to add significant visual and emotional impact:
- Living Room: On a main wall, where it can become the central point of the room, attracting attention and being a good pretext for conversation.
- Office: In an office, it can inspire creativity and introspection, being a constant source of visual reflection.
- Library: Above a bookshelf or in a reading area, adding a note of intellectual and emotional depth.
- Interior Staircase: Along the stairway wall, offering an interesting focal point during the transition between floors.
- Entryway: In an entryway, it can create a strong and impressive impression for guests.
- Dining Room: On a free wall, adding a note of refinement and offering a unique conversation topic at the table.
- Guest Room: In a guest room, it can provide an introspective and comfortable atmosphere.
- Entertainment Room: In an entertainment room, it can add an element of energy and dynamism.
- Corporate Reception: In a corporate reception area, the painting can create a powerful visual impact, adding an element of modern art and refinement.
Conclusion
Finally, “Nostalgia” is a piece that, through its relevance, represents a typical human feeling. It is a deeply emotional work that explores the complexity of memories and their effect on the human psyche. The paint application technique reflects the fluid and inconstant nature of memory, while the intense colors amplify the visual and emotional impact of the work.
The mastery with which the painting was created, and the symbolism and message it conveys, will ennoble through beauty and knowledge any room in which it will be placed.
The owner will involuntarily join the club of patrons who support culture, and social status will be automatically elevated, simply because fine art is an interest sustained and sought only by people in the highest positions in society. Investment in such an object, especially when considering the genius and potential of such a rare artist, will not only not depreciate, but the opposite is more than likely.
