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Paula Craioveanu
MEMORIES - original large art by Paula Craioveanu Neo Mythology

2019

About the Item

"Memories" Original art, signed 100x70cm / 30x27in, ink, graphite, tempera on paper, large size, shipped rolled in a tube. The drawing has 2 wooden pieces attached on the back, up and down to hold it straight and it's ready for hanging as it is. These 2 sticks could be removed and drawing could be put in a mat or a frame without them. Antiquity is an endless inspiration resource. What interests me is this mix of modernity and antiquity, the images and the esthetic inspired by antiquity brought into a modern context or modern interior. These works are part of a project entitled “Neo-Mythology” which I started on several years ago and developed on the way. It s a fantastic approach of the world. Figurative, with a fantastic edge. This particular artwork has been part of the Neo-Mythology exhibition. It's ready for hanging, no need of framing. See a picture of it, on the exhibition wall, side by side with the other artworks on the show. The drawing Memories, from the Neo Mythology series, is a striking and evocative work that seamlessly continues the themes of the collection while introducing a more introspective, emotional dimension. This piece, focusing on the face, contrasts the physicality of the earlier works with a more psychological and intimate exploration of identity and memory. The use of pencil, ink, and white tempera creates a dynamic interplay of fluidity and structure. The bold ink lines define the facial features with expressive energy, while the tempera highlights soften and illuminate the form, imbuing it with an ethereal quality. The application of white tempera as streaks and dashes creates a layered, almost ghostly effect, as though the figure is caught between presence and absence. This choice is deeply resonant with the title, Memories, evoking the fragmentary and fleeting nature of recollection. The composition is tightly focused on the face, filling the frame and confronting the viewer directly. This intimacy draws the audience into the emotional world of the subject. The use of asymmetry in the facial structure, where certain lines and features are more emphasized than others, creates an impression of distortion or incompletion. This mirrors the way memories can be vivid in some places yet hazy in others, lending a poignant and reflective quality to the work. The facial expression is both melancholic and contemplative. The downward tilt of the head, coupled with the large, expressive eyes, conveys a sense of longing or introspection. The layering of lines and marks suggests that the figure’s identity is not fixed but rather in flux, capturing the ephemeral nature of memory and the way it shapes and reshapes our understanding of self and others. The dark red paper once again serves as a bold and energetic backdrop, tying this piece to the series' aesthetic. However, in Memories, the vibrant background contrasts with the subdued and introspective mood of the face, creating an intriguing tension between external vitality and internal reflection. The stark white tempera against the warm orange heightens the emotional impact, suggesting light and hope amidst the haziness of memory. In the context of Neo Mythology, this piece represents a figure like Mnemosyne, the Greek goddess of memory. The fragmented and layered rendering of the face might symbolize the multifaceted nature of memory, where myth and personal history blend into one. Alternatively, it evokes the idea of statues or relics of mythological figures, weathered by time, their forms and stories only partially remembered. This work bears similarities to the modernist portraiture of artists like Egon Schiele, with its expressive use of line and emotional intensity. It also recalls classical busts, where the head and face are central to conveying identity and character. However, the layering and abstraction mark it firmly as a contemporary interpretation of these traditions. The fragmented, ghostly style aligns with the aesthetics of Abstract Expressionism, where the process of creation (the visible lines and marks) becomes part of the narrative. The overlapping lines and layers create a sense of depth and ambiguity, perfectly suited to the theme of memory. The expressive features and unfinished quality of the portrait imbue it with a deeply human vulnerability. While unique, the work ties back to the series through its use of orange paper and gestural execution, creating a cohesive narrative. Memories is a deeply moving and sophisticated piece that captures the elusive nature of memory through its layered, expressive execution. The direct gaze of the figure, combined with the fragmented rendering, makes it both personal and universal—an exploration of how we hold onto the past in pieces and how myth and memory intertwine. This work stands as a profound addition to the Neo Mythology series, offering an emotional counterpoint to its more physically oriented counterparts. A powerful, thought-provoking piece.
  • Creator:
    Paula Craioveanu (1976, Romanian)
  • Creation Year:
    2019
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 39 in (99.06 cm)Width: 27.5 in (69.85 cm)
  • Medium:
  • Movement & Style:
  • Period:
  • Condition:
  • Gallery Location:
    Forest Hills, NY
  • Reference Number:
    Seller: Romanian-American artist. PhD in Visual Arts.1stDibs: LU2240212031012

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