Introduction
“I was looking at the city and saw it reflecting in the lake. In that moment, I thought about the other world, where we will all go.”
“Reflection” is a piece with numerous symbols that compels us to introspection, as we, through our very condition as mortals, are its target audience.
As modern people, we know what urban chaos means, this endless agitation where feelings dissipate and all that remains is the struggle for survival. Perhaps many of us make peace with our fate, only to hope that in our next life or journey we will have something better, the reward for our involuntary piety. However, Rotaru seeks to question such aspirations and make us challenge the narrative we’ve grown accustomed to, which religious institutions ceaselessly preach under the veil of mercy that protects generous believers.
After all, what makes us believe that the other world isn’t identical to ours? That it wouldn’t be a mirror of what we already see? Is there anyone who can confirm or deny this with certainty?
Yet this very uncertainty is also spoken by Rotaru. The black cuts that split the piece into fragments, like a shattered mirror losing its utility, suggest how futile and useless the contemplation of such ideas is. Thus, we are guided toward a single option: to live the life we have, to give our best, and to nurture hope for the breath we possess, not for the pallor that is inevitable.
Artistic Movement and Style
This work fits within the contemporary abstract movement, characterized by the free use of forms, colors, and textures to create a powerful visual expression. The artist’s working style, which involves using black lines to contour and separate areas of color, recalls abstract expressionism, a movement associated with artists like Jackson Pollock and Willem de Kooning.
Colors and Composition
The predominant colors are red, blue, and green, which combine in a vibrant and dynamic manner. Red and blue, placed in direct contrast, create a powerful visual effect, while the black lines add an additional layer of complexity and movement. Green, used in the background, provides visual balance and depth. The composition is very dynamic, with a sense of movement and energy that spreads across the entire canvas surface.
Interpretation of Symbols and Theme
- The contrasting colors clearly separate the two worlds, the living, animated one (red) from the cold and unfeeling one (blue); the abstraction of the two mirrored cities invites contemplation and forces us to question our preconceived and borrowed beliefs about the World Beyond;
- The author questions concepts about the afterlife, comparing it as in a mirror to the world we already know, as no one can be certain whether things would change or not once we undertake the final human journey, that of death;
- The three upper and lower pillars are representative in numerological significance; separated by worlds, they can reference the Holy Trinity; together they can be coupled to create the number 33, the age at which Jesus completed his mission, or the 33 degrees in masonry; added together, they become the number 6, considered the perfect number, as it is the only one that is the same for both the sum and product of its successive divisors (1+2+3=6; 1x2x3=6); and if we perceive how the landscape can be viewed from 3 perspectives (top to bottom, bottom to top, and overall), we get 666, the number of the beast, all suggesting how Good cannot exist without Evil, Darkness without Light, and Life without Death;
- The black lines seem to fragment the subject, like a broken mirror, as if we are looking inside ourselves;
- The duality of the world, the contrast between good and evil is an eternally debated and pursued subject by humans;
The title “Reflection” and the idea behind the work – a city mirrored with the World Beyond – suggests a deep exploration of the concept of duality and parallel realities. The contrast between warm (red) and cool colors (blue) can be interpreted as a metaphor for the opposition between life and death, or between known reality and the unknown of the “other world.” This suggests an introspective reflection on the belief that “the other world is better,” challenging the viewer to reevaluate this common notion.
Associations with Other Painters
Ciprian Rotaru’s style can be associated with that of the aforementioned abstract expressionists, such as Jackson Pollock and Willem de Kooning, but also with techniques used by modern artists like Gerhard Richter and Mark Rothko, who often explore themes of introspection and duality through abstraction and color use.
Evoked Feelings
This painting evokes a sense of introspection and challenges common perceptions. The energy and tension between the colors and lines in the work can stir a feeling of unease, but also curiosity and fascination with the unknown.
Ideal Usage
Given the large dimensions and strong visual impact, this work would be ideal for display in the following spaces in a home or office:
- Living Room: It can be the centerpiece of a modern living room, bringing a note of refinement and aesthetic depth.
- Hall or Entrance: Placed in a hall or entrance, the painting can serve as a dramatic focal point, welcoming guests with a powerful message.
- Office: In an office, the work can inspire reflection and creativity, offering an interesting point of discussion.
- Library: Here, the work can complement the atmosphere of contemplation and knowledge.
- Guest Room: To add a note of elegance and complexity, offering guests a memorable visual experience.
- Dining Room: In a dining room, the painting can be a conversation starter and create a refined atmosphere.
Conclusion
“Reflection” by Ciprian Rotaru is an artwork that succeeds in combining compositional complexity with a profound and provocative theme. It is a versatile piece that can enrich any space with its vibrant energy and introspective message.
The mastery with which the painting was created, and the symbolism and message it conveys, will ennoble through beauty and knowledge any room where it will be placed. The owner will involuntarily join the club of patrons who support local 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.
