The Prophet
Transdisciplinary Artist
A term that I’ve only recently embraced, and one that I still find myself contemplating. How did I, after years of creative exploration, come to define myself this way? It’s a question worth exploring. This might turn into a lengthy read, but whether you skim through or take your time, I hope you enjoy delving into my journey.
Bio
For over two decades, I've been creating art, yet when faced with the common question, "What kind of artist are you?" I've never had a straightforward answer. To me, this question seemed almost irrelevant. Art, at its core, is an act of creation - beyond labels and categories. If I’m fortunate, my work might be seen as art. Ultimately, it’s up to future generations to decide where I belong, if they feel compelled to do so.
However, the pressures of the art world - yes, there is an industry behind the art - pushed me to reconsider. Fellow artists and the broader art scene often sought to place me within a particular box, leading me to reflect deeply on how I should present myself.
Visual Artist?
Absolutely. I’ve expressed myself through a wide range of visual mediums throughout my career. My portfolio includes paintings, icons, murals, experimental short films, and fine art photography.
Contemporary Artist?
Perhaps. My work often incorporates contemporary techniques, and modern tools, and often draws inspiration from the challenges of contemporary life. Yet, I feel my artistic roots dig deeper than the present moment alone.
Painter?
Many who know me as a painter are surprised when I don’t fully embrace the label. While painting is a significant part of my practice, it doesn’t encapsulate the breadth of my creative expression.
Photographer?
Similarly, those familiar with my fine art photography or past commercial work in wedding and product photography are surprised when I tell them I’m not solely a photographer. Photography is a language I use, but not the only one.
Performance Artist? Conceptual Artist?
Yes, I’ve explored all of these realms. I’ve performed, participated in happenings, and experimented with new media, but none of these fully define me either.
Nature Art? Land Art?
Close, but not exactly. My work draws heavily from nature, created outdoors and often incorporating elements of the environment. My connection with the natural world is profound - there is an inherent bond between my art and the land, forests, rivers, and skies. Animism, with its ancient belief in the spiritual essence of nature, informs much of my work. But I do much more than just this.
Multidisciplinary Artist?
Almost, but this label feels limiting. My work is not merely a collection of different mediums or genres. It is a deeply interconnected practice where everything flows together - each element influencing and shaping the others.
Interdisciplinary Artist?
No, this doesn’t quite fit either. The connections between my various practices are too tightly woven to fall under this term. There’s a cohesion in my work that goes beyond the interdisciplinary; it transcends disciplines entirely.
Origins and Inspirations
My artistic journey began with a formal education in painting. It was a craft that provided a steady income and opened doors into the art world. Early in my career, I became fascinated by Orthodox icons - artworks that seemed to transcend the ordinary, as if divinely inspired. I also immersed myself in the study of church murals in Moldova, painted centuries ago by artists believed to be guided by a higher power. This reverence for the sacred and the idea of being an instrument of something greater left a lasting impression on me.
Darkroom Revelation
One of the turning points in my career was discovering the magic of the darkroom. Watching an image slowly emerge on photographic paper was like witnessing a miracle - it was art born out of a seemingly invisible process. This experience opened up a new realm of artistic exploration for me, expanding my focus beyond painting to include the world of photographic art.
Innovative Techniques
At the turn of the millennium, with limited access to modern resources, I began experimenting with chemicals and water to create images on photo paper. This innovative technique allowed me to explore unique tones and textures, pushing the boundaries of traditional photography. My research into iconography influenced these experiments, as I often felt guided by something greater, much like the artists of old. This period marked a significant evolution in my artistic practice, as I began blending the sacred elements of iconography with the experimental nature of my photographic work.
Artistic Evolution
Living in Sfântu Gheorghe, Transylvania, I found myself near the AnnART Festival, where I encountered international artists engaging in unconventional art forms. Attending the festival and experiencing the ÉLŐ-TÉKA/Living-Archives screenings by Gusztáv Ütő exposed me to performance art, happenings, and various avant-garde concepts. This exposure to new ideas and forms of expression had a profound impact on me, further expanding my artistic horizons.
First Exhibitions
While preparing for my first solo photo exhibition, I began documenting my actions and creations around my hometown. This process of wandering, creating ad hoc happenings, and building installations in nature became a natural extension of my artistic practice. It was during this time that I realized that my most authentic form of creation often happens spontaneously, in response to my surroundings.
Fusion of Mediums
Over time, the boundaries between mediums in my work became increasingly blurred. Painting on photographs, for example, became a central aspect of my practice. I also began creating nature and land art installations, often documenting them through photography or film. These works were not merely ephemeral - they were captured, recontextualized, and shared with the world through galleries and exhibitions. This fusion of mediums allowed me to create art that was both transient and permanent, existing in multiple forms simultaneously.
Interconnected Artistry
One of the defining features of my work is its interconnectedness. The sacred elements of iconography merge with the often profane nature of contemporary performance art, creating a unique blend that reflects my diverse influences. Rituals, animism, and shamanism all play a role in shaping my artistic vision, infusing my work with a sense of spirituality that transcends traditional religious boundaries.
Cinematic Exploration
My love for cameras eventually led me to explore experimental short films. This medium allowed me to express my ideas in a new way, combining visual storytelling with abstract concepts. My films often draw on themes of identity, spirituality, and the natural world, continuing the exploration that began with my earlier work in painting and photography.
Artist Statement
For me, the act of creation transcends the boundaries of individual disciplines. My art is a holistic practice that integrates multiple fields of study and expression, creating a seamless blend of techniques, materials, and ideas. This transdisciplinary approach reflects my belief that art should not be confined to one medium or genre - it is an ever-evolving practice that mirrors the complexity and interconnectedness of life itself.
Key Aspects of My Transdisciplinary Practice
Integration of Disciplines
My work is a fusion of painting, photography, film, performance art, and more. This seamless integration allows me to explore the full spectrum of artistic expression, creating a cohesive body of work that reflects my multifaceted practice.
Innovative Methods
I am constantly experimenting with unconventional materials and techniques, from using chemicals and water on photo paper to creating installations with found natural elements. These experiments push the boundaries of traditional art, allowing me to explore new possibilities and redefine what art can be.
Conceptual
Depth My art is deeply rooted in complex themes such as identity, spirituality, nature, and existence. By drawing on knowledge from various disciplines, I create works that are rich in conceptual content and provoke thought and reflection. The interplay between the sacred and the profane is a recurring theme in my work, reflecting my ongoing exploration of spirituality in the contemporary world.
Influence of Sacred and Profane
The sacred and the profane coexist in my art, creating a dynamic interplay between the spiritual and the secular. Influenced by Orthodox icons, Buddhist statues, and contemporary performance art, my work reflects a unique blend of rituals, animism, and shamanism. This fusion of sacred and profane elements creates a rich tapestry of meaning and symbolism that invites the viewer to explore the deeper layers of my work.
Artistic Evolution
My practice is constantly evolving as I integrate new experiences and insights into my work. From my early fascination with painting and darkroom photography to my current explorations in experimental film, performance art, and new media, my artistic journey is one of continuous growth and discovery.
Interconnectedness
The various elements of my practice are deeply interconnected. My use of iconography, photographic techniques, and performance art are not isolated endeavors but are woven together to create a rich tapestry of artistic expression. Each piece informs the next, creating a cohesive and dynamic body of work that reflects the complexity of my transdisciplinary practice.
In Essence
I consider myself a transdisciplinary artist because my work transcends and intertwines multiple disciplines, creating a cohesive and dynamic practice that reflects the complexity and interconnectedness of contemporary art and life. Through my art, I seek to explore the deep connections between the sacred and the profane, the natural and the constructed, and the individual and the collective. My journey as an artist is one of constant exploration, innovation, and evolution - an ongoing dialogue with the world around me.