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

2017

About the Item

"Apollo" Original art, one-of-a-kind, signed. 100x70cm / 30x27in, ink, graphite, tempera on paper, large size, shipped rolled in a tube. This particular artwork is 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. Free shipping with 1stDibs FREESHIP code , for items over $500. 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 several years ago and developed on the way. It's a fantastic approach of the world. Figurative, with a fantastic edge. Paula Craioveanu This drawing, Apollo, is a compelling piece that exemplifies the artist’s continued exploration of classical themes through a modern and deconstructive lens. By presenting the fragmented visage of Apollo, the work merges the timeless beauty of antiquity with contemporary abstraction, perfectly aligning with the overarching themes of the Neo Mythology series. The use of pencil and ink on ochre paper creates a strong visual contrast while maintaining the warm, classical undertones associated with mythology and ancient art. The bold, sweeping ink strokes outline the contours of the bust with a dynamic energy, while the softer pencil details provide depth and delicacy, particularly in the hair and facial features. The fragmented, disconnected sections of the face—most notably the gap through the eyes—are handled with finesse, giving the piece a surreal, disjointed quality. The fragmentation of the bust is the defining feature of this piece. The missing eyes create a striking void, inviting viewers to focus on other elements of the face—particularly the mouth and nose, which are rendered with precision and vitality. The disjointed composition disrupts the viewer’s expectations of symmetry and wholeness, symbolizing the loss or distortion of identity, memory, or perception.The deliberate asymmetry is balanced by the subtle flow of the lines, which guide the eye across the composition in a harmonious manner. Apollo, the Greek god of the sun, music, prophecy, and harmony, is a figure often associated with perfection, rationality, and the arts. In this context, his fragmented depiction symbolizes deconstruction of the classical ideal. This modern reinterpretation breaks down the rigid forms of classical sculpture, blending tradition with contemporary abstraction. The void where the eyes should be is haunting, giving the piece a sense of mystery and introspection. This absence creates an emotional tension, as the viewer is drawn to imagine what is missing. The ochre background enhances the warmth and timelessness of the piece while emphasizing the stark black ink, which adds weight and drama to the fragmented form. The unfinished quality of the lower bust (with sketchy, loose lines) contrasts beautifully with the more detailed rendering of the mouth and nose, creating a balance between abstraction and realism. Like other works in the Neo Mythology series, this piece deconstructs a classical icon to explore its relevance and meaning in a contemporary context. The fragmentation of Apollo reflects the series’ recurring themes of duality, transformation, and the tension between past and present. This reinterpretation aligns with broader postmodern tendencies to question, distort, or reimagine classical ideals while retaining their cultural and symbolic resonance. The disconnection of the eyes from the rest of the face is both visually arresting and conceptually rich, making the work thought-provoking and emotionally impactful. The dynamic interplay between bold ink lines and delicate pencil strokes creates depth and movement, ensuring that the piece is visually engaging from every angle. The ochre paper acts as a historical anchor, grounding the modern deconstruction in the aesthetics of antiquity. Apollo is a striking and evocative work that exemplifies the Neo Mythology series’ ability to merge classical references with modernist abstraction. The artist's choice to fragment and deconstruct Apollo’s visage is a bold statement, symbolizing the tension between tradition and reinvention. By breaking down the idealized beauty of classical sculpture, the piece invites viewers to question the meaning and relevance of these ideals in a contemporary, fragmented world. A profound and visually stunning interpretation of a timeless figure!
  • Creator:
    Paula Craioveanu (1976, Romanian)
  • Creation Year:
    2017
  • 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: LU2240212129162

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