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Paula Craioveanu
Question of Time - original painting on round canvas Paula Craioveanu

2019

$1,200
£904.80
€1,046.54
CA$1,697.75
A$1,850.92
CHF 977.99
MX$22,761.97
NOK 12,160.53
SEK 11,447.52
DKK 7,812.59

About the Item

"A Question of Time", acrylic on canvas, 20in, round. See both round painting from the same series in the video. Shipped directly from New York, US, well packed and ready for hanging. Inspired by the mythological Greco-Roman origins, these works of art are dreamlike superimposed views of expressive and sometimes sensual figures. Like the immortal mythological heroes, my subjects remind us of the human ability to remain beautiful and noble despite de passing of time and damage it brings. "A Question of Time", features a fragmented classical bust depicted on a circular canvas, evoking the aesthetics of ancient Greco-Roman sculpture. The bust is split horizontally across the face, misaligning the eyes, nose, and mouth, while retaining the elegance of classical proportions. The double face, slightly overlapping and angularly misaligned, gives the impression of multiple perspectives or identities fused into one. This fractured, composite visage suggests themes of identity, duality, and disconnection. The central figure is a stylized classical head, with chiseled facial features and wavy hair reminiscent of statues of Greek gods or mythological figures. The surface of the face appears smooth and polished, mimicking marble or alabaster. The intentional disjointedness and asymmetry—seen in the overlapping faces and sliced planes—create a surreal tension between perfection and distortion. The fragmented look feels both ancient and contemporary, a fusion of timeless beauty and modern deconstruction. The painting is rendered on a circular surface, suggesting a timeless or universal context. The background is textured with gold, ochre, and beige tones, which recall the patina of aged artifacts or ancient frescoes. These earthy, muted tones emphasize the sculpture's antiquity while grounding the piece in a mythological, dreamlike realm. The dark, undefined backdrop allows the figure to stand out, further focusing attention on the bust and its symbolic fragmentation. The texture is dynamic and layered, with visible brushstrokes creating depth and movement. The bust itself, while visually mimicking smooth marble, is painted with loose, expressive strokes that disrupt the illusion of solidity. The distressed areas, splatters, and streaks suggest both decay and reconstruction, reinforcing the interplay between destruction and renewal. The palette is dominated by earthy tones—gold, ochre, beige, and subtle reds—evoking classical sculpture and aged materials. These warm hues are contrasted by the black and white elements that add sharpness and depth. Red accents around the edges of the figure add drama, suggesting blood or vitality, and lend an emotional resonance to the otherwise muted composition. The lighting is subtle and diffuse, creating a sense of soft radiance that highlights the golden tones and sculptural quality of the bust. Shadows are implied through tonal contrasts, giving the piece a dimensional, volumetric effect. The interplay of light and shadow is less about realism and more about mood, suggesting an ethereal, mythological ambiance. The horizontal split and misalignment of the face are central motifs, symbolizing fragmentation, duality, or conflicting identities. The use of a classical bust references mythological or divine archetypes, while the distortions modernize and humanize the figure, suggesting the imperfection or multiplicity of contemporary identity. The circular format evokes the cyclical nature of mythology, history, and time, reinforcing the theme of renewal and reinterpretation. The red accents suggest vitality, sacrifice, or transformation, aligning with the mythological undertones. This piece fits seamlessly within the Neo-Mythology series, continuing the exploration of classical themes through a modern lens. While the previous works focused on figures in motion and layered compositions, this piece isolates a single, fragmented figure, emphasizing themes of identity and self-perception. The choice of a circular canvas suggests timelessness and universality, tying the work to the mythological past while the distortions ground it in a contemporary context. The focus on classical aesthetics disrupted by fragmentation aligns with the series’ broader exploration of the human condition, mythology, and modern reinterpretation of ancient themes. This painting stands out as a contemplative and symbolic work, distilling the essence of the series into a powerful meditation on identity, timelessness, and the beauty found within imperfection.
  • Creator:
    Paula Craioveanu (1976, Romanian)
  • Creation Year:
    2019
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 1 in (2.54 cm)Diameter: 19.6 in (49.79 cm)
  • Medium:
  • Movement & Style:
  • Period:
  • Condition:
  • Gallery Location:
    Forest Hills, NY
  • Reference Number:
    Seller: Romanian-American artist. PhD in Visual Arts.1stDibs: LU2240211649132

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