One to Watch

Alexandru Cinean

Alexandru Cinean is a young emerging artist living and working in Sibiu, Romania. He studied at the University of Art and Design in Cluj-Napoca, Romania, as well as at the Academia Albertina Delle Belle Arti in Torino, Italy. He has exhibited internationally, including in Romania, Italy, Belgium, and Australia.

Alexandru works primarily with oil paint, but he also experiments with other media, including acrylics, pastel, ink, and charcoal. His imagery is derived from real world events and historical moments. He reconstructs the moment, and places his subject matter into unfamiliar spaces. Through his artistic practice, he explores the relationship between man and nature, as well as the mutual influence that one has upon the other.

What are the major themes you pursue in your work?

I’m inspired by different aspect of life, and how people interact with the space that they live in. I like to create my own images based on my own scenography, with unique costumes and unique characters placed into strange spaces. I tend to use dramatic colors and subject matter.

What was the best advice given to you as an artist?

“Always trust yourself and your work; work hard to bring your ideas to life; and don’t wait for inspiration. It comes while one is working” – Henri Matisse.

Prefer to work with music or in silence?

I prefer to work in general with loud music because it connects me with the painting. My rhythm of work becomes more alert, and my state from that moment transfers through my brushes onto the canvas.

If you could only have one piece of art in your life, what would it be?

Any work by Velazquez would be nice. I really like his technique.

Who are your favorite writers?

Recently I am inspired by J. W. Goethe and his work, Faust.  I also like Umberto Eco, Norman Mailer, and Jan de Maere.