Artwork by Tatiana Künstlerische Arbeit von Tatiana

Art sale for the holiday season - December 9th in Berlin

2011-12-07T20:01:00.000-08:00

Dear friends:

Here is the invitation to the art sale for the upcoming holiday season in Berlin on December 9th.

At this art sale I will be bringing some of my recent artwork and jewellery creations.

Each one of them is a one-of-kind, hand crafted artifact, that can become a special gift and mesmerizing surprise.

Prices are within everyone's budget.

So why not come by for a chat, a few moments of laughter and to check it out yourself?

Here is the venue:

Studio Bildende Kunst - December 9th from 15.00 to 19.00

John-Sieg-Strasse 13

10365 Berlin

Tel: 030/553 22 76

I look forward to seeing you there!

Tatiana

Cucuteni - Where Art Meets History

2011-11-15T17:43:00.000-08:00

Here some images from my newest exhibition, open in Berlin, Germany. The exhibition includes decorations and hand-crafted jewellery inspired by the Cucuteni culture (fourth millennium B.C.).

I am a fan of art forms uncovered through archaeological explorations in the city of Cucuteni, in north-eastern Romania.

The series of artifacts below attempts to re-create some of the artistic motifs apparent in the Cucuteni culture: the spiral, symbol of life, geometric and archaic patterns. The material of choice is ceramics, in keeping with the majority of objects found at Cucuteni; on this foundation I have layered a guilded paint coat.

For me, this exhibition this was an opportunity to reflect on the ability of art to regenerate itself and to speak to us across time and space in its solitary and enigmatic voice.

Vase

Pendant

Fibula

Pendant

Bracelet

A group of artifacts

Bracelet

Medallion

Pendant

Paintings from LINIE-FLÄCHE-RAUM (LINE-SURFACE-SPACE) - the art exhibition at Kesselhaus Museum, Berlin, 2011

2011-07-23T05:39:00.000-07:00

As promised in the previous post, here are some of my recent paintings that were part of the exhibition LINIE-FLÄCHE-RAUM (LINE-SURFACE-SPACE) open from end of June to 12th of July 2011 in Berlin in the Blankensteinsaal of the Kesselhaus Museum.

Images from the art exhibition "LINIE-FLÄCHE-RAUM"(LINE-SURFACE-SPACE) in Berlin, 2011

2011-07-20T20:04:00.000-07:00

The art exhibition LINIE-FLÄCHE-RAUM (LINE-SURFACE-SPACE) open from end of June to 12th of July 2011 in Berlin in the Blankensteinsaal of the Kesselhaus Museum has been one of the highlights of the summer for me.

It was a great opportunity to present some of my newest paintings and graphics creations and to connect with friends and art lovers from Berlin and out of town.

Now that the magic moments of the Opening night (June 29th, 2011) and the Long night of the paintings (July 2nd, 2011) are behind me, I'd like to take a moment to reflect on what this experience has meant for me.

First off - a hectic work period, but a vibrant and exciting one.

Secondly, a time of reflection, as I worked to integrate my work within the theme of the exhibition.

And thirdly, a time of joy - the joy to meet new friends and to get their perspectives on art.

I hope you enjoy the images from this event and I look forward to hearing your thoughts.

I will include the images of three new paintings from this exhibition in my next post - so be sure to check my blog in a couple of days!

The Long Night of Science, Berlin, 2011 - Images

2011-06-07T21:14:00.000-07:00

I wanted to thank all who took the time to come out and join us in the Long Night of Science at Humboldt University on May 28, 2011.

Here are some images from this night....they include moments from the presentations and some of my drawings and graphic art...let me know what you think.

We look forward to hearing from you and to the opportunity to get together at future events.

28 May 2011 - The Long Night of Science in Berlin

2011-05-23T18:37:00.000-07:00

Dear friends:

It gives me great pleasure to invite to the following event of which I will also be part!

The Event: The Long Night of Science Event (Lange Nacht der Wissenschaften)
Time: May 28th, 2011 18:00-20:00
Location: Berlin, : Jacob- und- Wilhelm-Grimm-Zentrum
Address: Geschwister-Scholl-Str. 1/3, Foyer.
Subway: Friedrichstr.U-/S-Bahn

There is a beautiful stranger in the Department of Romance Languages in the Institute of Romance Languages at Humboldt University in Berlin.

She has a sister in France, one in Italy, one in Portugal, one in Spain and so one.
The stranger is not only beautiful, she also has style!
And she's waiting for you with joy in the Long Night of Science! Get to know this stranger, by attending this event.

Agenda:

16:00 and 21:00- Dr. Maren Huberty- Lecture: The Romanian language in the context of Romance languages.

18:30: Dr. Tatiana Burghenn- Arsenie- Film- The Romanian Sacred Art and a graphics exhibition.

19:00- The play: "Looking for Ideas for a Trip" presented by children from the Romanian School in Berlin.

20:00 Dr. Ioana Scherf- Introductory course in Romanian

Wine tasting of Romanian wines.

(Other appointments are available on request).

We hope to see you in the maginificent location at Jacob- und- Wilhelm-Grimm-Zentrum on May 28th, 2011!

Here is the brochure in German:

https://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&pid=explorer&chrome=true&srcid=0B9vXLjOIjnHHMDQ3ZGExMmUtNzhlNC00ZjRmLWI3YjMtMzNkZWYyNmI0YTEz&hl=en_US

The bear representing Romania in the Buddy Baer Exhibition, painted by me, will be featured in the presentation.

Two picto-poemes about Berlin published in "qarrtsiluni"

2011-05-01T21:40:00.000-07:00

The drawing Knaackstrasse

I am thrilled to let you know that two picto-poems (drawings and poetry) created by me and by the Canadian poet Irina Moga have appeared in the literary online magazine "qarrtsiluni" edited by Dave Bonta.

The two picto-poems are part of a series of drawings and poetry dedicated to the city of Berlin.

Here is the link to the page, where you can also listen to the poems read by Irina and download the podcast:

http://qarrtsiluni.com/2011/04/29/two-picture-poem-combinations/

I hope you enjoy them.

Two drawings in the Canadian literary magazine "dandelion"

2011-04-27T21:38:00.000-07:00

Some wonderful news from Canada!

Two of my drawings are featured in the latest issue of dandelion magazine (“literature and art on edge”) published by the Department of English at the University of Calgary.

They are part of two ‘picto-poems’ (poems and drawings) created by me and Irina, with whom I have been collaborating for over a year now, experimenting in what I believe to be two congruent realms: art and poetry.

I’m thrilled to be able to see this work in print now, after having posted some of our work online – it’s a nice change of medium and definitely something worth exploring once more!

Invitation to the Exhibition at Bethel Haus - Opening Night March 1st, 2011

2011-02-23T17:14:00.000-08:00

Dear friends:

Last week I've set up my newest art and graphics exhibition at Bethel Haus in Berlin.

It will open on March 1st, and I look forward to seeing you there - at the opening night!

The exhibition hosts some of my recent paintings and graphics.

For me, it was quite interesting to think through how I can craft a new ambiance for some of the themes that pervade my work, making use of the space and light at Bethel Haus.

Here are some images from this space, that I am glad to say, appears to wrap nicely around the contours in my art- or at least, I think it does.

I look forward to friendly chat and a warm evening at the opening night, so I hope you can make it!

Tatiana

The United Buddy Bear Exhibition 2011 and The Bear Representing Romania

2011-01-09T16:12:00.000-08:00

In this post I would like to talk about my latest creation for the United Buddy Bears exhibition 2011.

The bear that I created will represent Romania in the exhibition, and in putting it together I leveraged themes from the Romanian folklore. My intent was to bring these themes to life in a modern work of art.

Some key symbolic elements in the painting are:

The yellow background of the Bear figurine represents the wheat fields of Romania, traditionally considered as one of Europe’s largest grain suppliers.
The spirals that cover the Bear’s body are a universal symbol of life and in painting them I drew upon the motifs represented in the Cucuteni ceramics
The hunters with bows and arrows, the hunting dog and the stag are inspired by a royal arm chair that is found inside the Voronet monastery.
The wild nymphs are fantastic beings whose dance is another theme in the Romanian folklore (Jocul Ielelor).

Exhibition at Brose Haus - Extended till end of January 2011

2010-12-06T16:26:00.000-08:00

My exhibition at Brose Haus has been extended till the end of January 2011, so if you have time during this holiday season, please come by to see it.

Here is the description of the exhibition:

http://www.berlin.de/ba-pankow/presse/archiv/20100624.1005.300508.html

Angels in a Hand Caress - A Christmas Gift

2010-11-06T20:25:00.000-07:00

I have created a series of angels for Christmas gifts. Each angel is a unique piece, made of ceramics, with a semi precious stone and covered by a thin gilded sheen.

The angel keep sake, is also known as Handschmeichler in German (or hand caress, in my translation) - is made to fit inside a palm. As its title suggests the angel (a hand caress) is meant to provide one strength and comfort at a time of stress, duress and anxiety. It carries with it an aura of peace and blessing.

The angels make for a soothing, enchanting and wonderful Christmas gift and mini work of art.

Angels - Hand caress - Handschmeichler- Christmas gifts - for sale

Angel- Hand Caress (Handschmeichler)
- Christmas Gift

Angel - Hand Caress (Handschmeichler)
- Christmas Gift

Angel - Hand Caress (Handschmeichler)
- Christmas Gift

Two Icons: An Archangel and Mary

2010-11-03T19:51:00.000-07:00

Two of the icons on display at Haus Bethel are an archangel and a rendition of the Madonna.

The first icon represents an archangel and I believe that in it some of my interest in Rubliov's paintings transpires.

The second icon is a rendition of Mary. It represents my vision of Madonna's acceptance of her responsibility and her destiny.

The Decorations at Haus Bethel

2010-10-31T17:36:00.000-07:00

Once per year, I have the honor and pleasure to put together a showcase at Haus Bethel on Andreasstraße in Friedrichshain in preparation for Christmas.

On display on the wall at Haus Bethel (above) is one of my paintings that represents the Journey of the Magi. This painting draws its inspiration from paintings in Humor Monastery (a UNESCO site) in Moldova, situated in the north eastern part of Romania.

On display in the show case are some of my recent religious paintings created using icon painting techniques.

In February, Haus Bethel will also host my exhibition that is currently in display at Brose Haus in February.

I will post more pictures of these paintings and the religious artifacts inside the show case in my next posts...so check back soon.

Workshop on the Techniques of Icon Painting - Brose Hause, Berlin

2010-10-10T09:29:00.000-07:00

Here some of the images from the workshop I held on October 5th, 2010 at Brose Haus, in Berlin on the techniques of icon painting.

I had prepared extensively for the workshop for several weeks and I was a bit nervous as to how it will unfurl. Fortunately, we had a 'full house' at the event and it all went well.

"Three Pillars of Sacred Art"

2010-09-12T09:04:00.000-07:00

For Press Release

Icon by Tatiana representing St. George

As part of the Showcase "Icons - Graphics - Painting":

A Lecture on: "The Three Pillars of Sacred Art"

by Tatiana Burghenn Arsénie

A Brose In-house Event at Küster-Palm-House

Using examples of images, the lecture by Tatiana Burghenn-Arsénie will present the motifs, techniques, color schemes and regional differences of icon painting.
The artist focuses on the sacred painting of her homeland, Romania, which has its own history and is characterized specific features.

Deeply connected with the traditions of Romania, the artist began painting after studying this archaic technique and reached a level of mastery in glass and icon painting.

Impressive in her art is the coloring of images that depict religious or folklore themes, which are rendered with in-depth knowledge of traditional techniques and color application.

Guests will have the opportunity to view the genesis of an icon.

The lecture will be held on
Tuesday 5 October 2010 at 16.00 o'clock in Brose House (Küster-Palm-House)

Address: Dietzgenstr. 42, 13156 Berlin. Railings: Tram M1 (Schiller Street), Bus 107: Stop Kuckhoffstraße.

The exhibition is open from July 4th, 2010 to January 30th, 2011. Brose House is always open on Wednesdays and Sundays from 14.00 till 17.00 o'clock or by appointment.

End of Summer

2010-09-05T16:02:00.000-07:00

And finally just like winter ended, so does summer – or almost - as everyone is getting ready for a new school semester.

I’m entering a busy period myself, so here is an opportunity for me to stop for a second, in this post, and to reflect back on my summer.

So here is one drawing from what I have been working on lately...hope to see you soon as I will continue to update this site.

Kunstkreuz 2010 Cross Art Project 2010, Bethanienhaus, Berlin - July 9 to 28, 2010 - Die Kunst der Krise (Art in the time of crisis)

2010-07-12T21:17:00.000-07:00

Kunstkreutz 2010
Cross Art Projekt 2010
Bethanienhaus Berlin, Mariannenplatz 2, 10997

9-28 July 2010

The exhibition Die Kunst der Krise (Art in the time of crisis) is showcased at Bethanienhaus in Berlin from July 9th to July 28th, 2010.
This exhibition, organized under the auspices of Kunstkreuz 2010 Cross Art Project 2010, assembles, in a magnificent architectural setting, several contemporary art creations.

The title of the exhibition invites a discussion on the direction, mission and the opportunities afforded by art in a climate of economic uncertainty.
Two of my works - a sculpture of a horse and a collage are part of this exhibition.

Here are some images from this exhibition.

Sculpture by Tatiana Burghenn-Arsénie

Sculpture and collage by Tatiana Burghenn-Arsénie

How to Prepare for an Art Exhibition

2010-07-04T16:04:00.000-07:00

The opening of the exhibition at Brose Haus took place on July 3rd, on a day scorching heat in Berlin (36 ° Celsius) and at a time when Germany was playing Uruguay in the quarter-finals of the 2010 World Cup.

As I am waiting for the whirlwind of the opening night to settle down, I thought it useful to reflect on the preparation for this exhibition and what it has taught me.

The exhibition at Brose Haus has re-affirmed a few things I’ve known from some of my previous exhibitions:

1. Sleep is overrated.
The five weeks leading up to the opening night seemed to vaporize into thin air – so many things to arrange, so many friends to call, so many e-mails to write…
2. An exhibition also happens due to the good will of friends and family who pitch in to help out…my heartfelt thanks to my friends who supported me through this event!
3. Taking time out from the hustle bustle of the maddening logistics for a quick still life drawing helps calm nerves…

United Buddy Bears in Astana, Kazakhstan - May to July 2010

2010-06-19T08:29:00.000-07:00

Some very exciting news of the bear I have painted for the United Buddy Bears Exhibition.

The news are posted on the following web site: http://www.buddy-fans.de/bilder/ubb-kasachstan-eroeffnung.html and here is a summary.

Opening of the circle of United Buddy Bears in Astana on 15 May 2010.

From 15 May to late July 2010 125 United Buddy Bears will be on display in Astana.

As part of the year, "Germany in Kazakhstan in 2010" the bears could make the trip and be a guest in Astana, the capital of Kazakhstan.

The United Buddy Bears are located in the most popular city square, in front of the Bayterek, the symbol of Astana, and can be seen free of charge.

The exhibition is organized jointly by the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany and the Akimat of Astana City.

The Buddy Bear representing Romania, painted by me, now greeting the visitors of the United Buddy Bears in Astana.

Art Exhibition at Brose Park,Berlin - July 4th,2010 to November 30th, 2010 - Icons, Graphic and Paintings

2010-06-12T19:01:00.001-07:00

Werkschau mit Ikonen - Graphik - Malerei von Tatiana Burghenn-Arsénie

Eröffnung: 3. Juli 2010, 16.00 Uhr im Brose-Haus (Küster-Palm-Haus)
(Einlass: 15.30 Uhr, Eröffnung der Ausstellung: 16.00 Uhr)

Anschrift: Dietzgenstr. 42, 13156 Berlin.
Fahrverbindungen: Tram M1 (Schillerstraße), Bus 107: Haltestelle Kuckhoffstraße

Ausstellungsdauer: 4. Juli – 30. November 2010.
Das Brose-Haus ist immer mittwochs und sonntags in der Zeit von 14.00 Uhr bis 17.00 Uhr geöffnet oder nach Vereinbarung.

Erstmalig findet im Berliner Bezirk Pankow eine Werkschau mit Ikonen, grafischen Arbeiten und Malerei der aus Rumänien stammenden Künstlerin Tatiana Burghenn-Arsénie statt.
Sie entstammt einer Künstlerfamilie aus Bukarest. Ihr zeichnerisches Talent wurde früh vom Vater gefördert.

Trotzdem studierte Tatiana Burghenn-Arsénie zunächst Zahn- und Kieferheilkunde und promovierte in diesen Fächern, bevor sie sich nach ihrer Übersiedelung nach Deutschland ganz der Kunst widmete.

Tief verbunden mit den Traditionen ihrer Heimat begann sie die Techniken sakraler Malerei zu erlernen und gelangte zu Meisterschaft in der Hinterglas- und Ikonenmalerei.
Die Farbkraft der Bilddarstellungen religiöser oder folkloritischer Motive findet sich in ihrer freien Malerei wieder.

Vielfach hält sie Bewegungen von Menschen und Tieren fest, bannt Momente auf die Leinwand, und der Betrachter ist fasziniert von der Eleganz der farbigen Linienführungen.

In der Breite ihrer grafischen Arbeiten finden sich Zeichnungen von Gebäuden aus Berlin-Pankow in fast architektonisch exakter Wiedergabe wie auch Radierungen mit Darstellungen, deren festgehaltener Zauber eines Augenblick dem Betrachter das Gefühl von Ruhe und Gelassenheit vermitteln.
(Mit Arbeiten aus der Serie „gezeichnet. Pankow“ von Tatiana Burghenn-Arsénie beim Kulturring in Berlin e.V.)

Exhibition at Brose Haus

The exhibition at Brose Haus is almost ready, and I look forward to seeing you there!
There many things to talk about, and I hope you can make it.

Opening: July 3rd, 2010, 16.00 clock in Brose House (Küster-Palm-House)
(Admission: 15.30 clock, opening of the exhibition: 16.00 clock)

Address: Dietzgenstr. 42, 13156 Berlin.

Tram M1 (Schiller Street), Bus 107: Stop Kuckhoffstraße

Duration: July 4th to November 30th, 2010.

Brose House is always open on Wednesdays and Sundays from 14.00 to 17.00 o' clock or by appointment.

Here is a summary from the presentation of the exhibition:

A showcase of icons, graphic works and paintings from the Romanian born artist Tatiana Burghenn-Arsénie takes place for the first time in the Pankow district of Berlin.

Tatiana Burghenn-Arsénie comes from a family of artists in Bucharest. Her artistic talent was encouraged early by her father and first graduated as a doctor of dentistry before moving to Germany and devoting her time entirely to art.

Deeply connected with the traditions of her homeland, she began to learn the techniques of religious painting, and to acquire in depth knowledge of glass and icon painting.

The vibrant colors in her icons and religious folklore motifs are also echoed in the rest of her works.
She often depicts the movement of people and animals and captures the subtle degrees of shifting on the canvas.
The viewer is fascinated by the elegance of the chromatic palette.

In the breadth of her graphic work, there are drawings of buildings from Berlin-Pankow that mediate accurate rendition of architectural details , as well as lithographs with images. These images gift the viewer with an almost magical feeling of calm and serenity.

(With works from the series "gezeichnet. Pankow" by Tatiana Burghenn-Arsénie by Kulturring in Berlin eV)

The Long Night of the Science at Humboldt University on June 5th, 2010

2010-06-06T19:50:00.000-07:00

Some of my friends and I have prepared for weeks for the events and presentations that have taken place at the "Long Night of the Science" at Humboldt University on June 5th - but in the end, it all paid off.

As part of "Long Night of the Sciences" several events were held: my presentation on "How An Icon is Born", two short documentaries by Christian Mungiu, a discussion on sacral art and a workshop with children organized by Dr. Ioana Scherf.

We were fortunate to have drawn a good audience, and to everyone that came out to see us and took the time to participate in the events, I wanted to say - a heartfelt thank you! - you made our efforts worthwhile.

Here are some pictures...we hope you enjoyed this evening as much as we did.

Dr. Ioana Scherf and Dr. Tatiana Burghenn-Arsénie

Upcoming event -The Long Night of The Science at Humboldt University on June 5th, 2010

2010-05-31T19:45:00.000-07:00

Dear friends:

You are cordially invited to an upcoming presentation I will be making on June 5th at 17:00 at Humboldt University as part of THE LONG NIGHT OF THE SCIENCE

I hope that you can make it and I look forward to meeting you there!

Here are the flyers to the events:

--> Dr. Tatiana Burghenn-Arsenie - Showcase - Religious Painting from Romania and Presentation: How An Icon Is Born.

---> RUMÄNISCH – "DIE SCHÖNE UNBEKANNTE“.

and here are the details:

Humboldt University Berlin - on Saturday, 5th June 2010 - 17.00

Main Building of the Humboldt University Berlin,
1st Floor, Room 2091
Unter den Linden 6, 10117 Berlin

Showcase - Religious Paintings from Romania
Presentation: How An Icon Is Born

Dr. Tatiana Burghenn - Arsénie

http://artwork-tatiana.blogspot.com/
http://www.langenachtderwissenschaften.de/Routen_Programm_
http://www.hu-berlin.de/pr/veranstaltungen/lndw

Tickets for all Berlin events:

Adults without discount 10, - €, respectively. 12, - €
Discounted Ticket 6, - €, respectively. 8, - €

When combined tickets they are also considered VBB ticket for public transportation in Berlin ABC fare zones, including Potsdam, Potsdam-Golm) for Saturday, 5th June, 14.00 clock until Sunday, 6 June 2010, 4.00 clock.

Im Rahmen der
LANGE NACHT
DER WISSENSCHAFT

in der Humboldt - Universität zu Berlin
Am Samstag, dem 5. Juni 2010
Hauptgebäude der Humboldt -
Universität zu Berlin,
1 OG, Raum 2091
Unter den Linden 6,
10117 Berlin
Ab 17.00 UHR

Werkschau: Sakrale Malerei aus Rumänien
Präsentation: WIE EINE IKONE ENTSTEHT

Dr. Tatiana Burghenn – Arsénie
http://artwork-tatiana.blogspot.com/
http://www.langenachtderwissenschaften.de/Routen_Programm_
http://www.hu-berlin.de/pr/veranstaltungen/lndw

Eintrittspreise für alle Berliner Veranstaltungen
Erwachsene ohne Ermäßigung 10,-€ resp. 12,-€
Ermäßigtes Ticket 6,-€ resp. 8,-€
Als Kombitickets gelten sie außerdem als VBB-Fahrausweis für die
öffentlichen Verkehrsmittel im Tarifbereich Berlin ABC einschließlich
Potsdam und Potsdam-Golm) von Samstag, 5. Juni, 14.00 Uhr, bis
Sonntag, 6. Juni 2010, 4.00 Uhr.

Preparing For The Exhibition at Brose House - Berlin - July 4th, 2010 - November 30th, 2010

2010-05-17T17:24:00.000-07:00

I've been working round the clock lately in order to prepare for some of my projects.

Among them - an exhibition at Brose House in Berlin - an exciting event!

I will be writing about this event in detail in the upcoming weeks - for now I just wanted to make you aware of it.

So, here are the details:

Opening: July 3rd, 2010, 16.00 clock in Brose House (Küster-Palm-House)
(Admission: 15.30 clock, opening of the exhibition: 16.00 clock)

Address: Dietzgenstr. 42, 13156 Berlin.
Tram M1 (Schiller Street), Bus 107: Stop Kuckhoffstraße

Duration: July 4th to November 30th, 2010.

Brose House is always open on Wednesdays and Sundays from 14.00 to 17.00 o' clock or by appointment.

I really hope that you can make it, so we can meet and greet and chat about it in person!

A Ballerina

2010-04-08T20:49:00.000-07:00

I have been immersed in drawing lately. Somehow, this newly gained focus on drawing and moving away from icon painting for a week feels like a sea change.

A wave movement - similar to dancing. Ballet.

Movement and energy, of which I can never get enough, as I try to zoom in and out of its rippling effects.

An Icon for Easter and Light

2010-04-04T07:55:00.000-07:00

I created the icon below, "Our Lady In Sorrow" a while back.

Through sorrows, the light of Easter shines.

The End of Winter

2010-03-24T21:02:00.000-07:00

The End of Winter- a drawing.

On Till Eulenspiegel and Painting On Glass

2010-03-21T19:10:00.000-07:00

I became acquainted with stories of Till Eulenspiegel, somewhere at the boundary between childhood and adolescence.
Till’s picaresque stories, the never ending surprises in his destiny and his travels far and wide, held my imagination captive.

It seemed only natural that I would return to these musings later on in life to give Till Eulenspiegel a place in a painting on glass.

The Till Eulenspigel in my painting strikes a pose that harkens back to the masters of the Italian Renaissance, a time when the actual Till, the sea and land farer, likely lived.

As I painted Till, I went back to my months of studying Pierro della Francesca and Simone Martini, and to everything they had taught me, so I can get at the spirit of the ‘land farer’.

There is something special about painting on glass.
It allows one to capture, in a translucent setting, movement and light.

Especially movement - which Till Eulenspiegel was all about.

Two picto-poems at the Berkeley Castle Gallery in Toronto - February 11th to February 22nd, 2010

2010-02-17T17:54:00.000-08:00

Two picto-poems ("Englyn" and "Hiatus"), in the form of two posters (30" x 20" each) are on display at the Berkeley Castle Gallery in Toronto from February 11th to February 22nd, 2010. The posters combine a drawing and a painting by me with poetry by Irina.

The exhibition, a community event, was organized by Dianne Acey and curated by Karen McMillan.

You can read about this event in English here:

Love and The Berkeley Castle Gallery in Toronto - February 11th to February 22nd, 2010

and in Romanian here: Despre dragoste, Berkeley Castle Gallery si picto-poeme.

Palm Sunday - An Icon

2010-02-06T08:10:00.000-08:00

Palm Sunday is a new theme for me, a theme I developed in one of the icons I painted on glass.

On Palm Sunday, which is celebrated on the Sunday before Easter, Jesus entered Jerusalem and he was greeted with joy by the people of Jerusalem who were waiving palm tree branches and covered the ground he was to tread on with their clothes.

In Romania, Palm Sunday is called “Duminica Floriilor” and many take willow leaves (reminiscent of palm leaves) to church to be blessed.

Painting icons on glass or wood allows me to create an object of art with profound religious meaning and provides me with the opportunity to explore the play of colors, symbols and techniques at the same time.

This is why I enjoy painting them.

Nürnberg im Mittelalter - Nuremberg in the Middle Ages

2010-01-30T16:13:00.000-08:00

Nürnberg is one of the prominent cultural centers of the German-speaking world since the late Middle Ages.

The works of the Nürnberg craftsmen were of a unique variety, of excellent quality and were spread by well organized trade throughout Europe.
They are housed in many museums world-wide and to this date, art objects created at Nürnberg during the Middle Ages are a source of inspiration for art-lovers everywhere.

The town of Nürnberg was surrounded by a high wall, a ring made of stones, which was the town wall.
The town wall protected the city from its enemies, and the town gate was guarded.
The marketplace formed the centre of the town.
All around the marketplace, businessmen and craftsmen had their retail shops.
The church was situated in close proximity of the marketplace.

My inspiration for this painting was:
The oldest view of the city of Nurenberg towards the end of the Middle Ages (1493)
(Spring: "World chronicle" by Hardman Schedel).

The idea of the painting came to me after I had created a series of Romanian icons on glass and learned that painting on glass as a technology had its origin in Southern Germany.

The logical consequence for me was to take up this motive (Nürnberg) and to bring it on glass.

There was a link, I thought, between the miniature and the painting on glass, between the technique that I had learned in my old home country, Romania, and the technique that had flourished in my new country, Germany, so I painted “Nürnberg im Mittelalter (Nuremberg in the Middle Ages)“ .

The circle was thus complete.

Brotfabrik Innenhof (The Inner Court of the Bread Factory)

2010-01-24T17:02:00.000-08:00

Brotfabrik Innenhof (The Inner Court of the Bread Factory) is a sketch that was part of an exhibition in June and July 2009. In this sketch, I attempted to capture the atmosphere at the Brotfabrik Innenhof, a place of art and culture, with a romantic inner court by the café.

United Buddy Bear Exhibition – Berlin - A Bear In the Rain

2010-01-22T19:42:00.000-08:00

Simply jotting down tonight some of the themes I approached as I set out to paint the bear below.

The central part of the painting is a rendition of the saint prophet Ilie, the rain maker, crossing the sky in his chariot.

Underneath saint Ilie, two peasants, working in a vineyard, are saluting the saint’s passage, and celebrating the soon to be made new wine.

The peasants are waving their shirts in joy, towards the saint.

This central painting is inspired by an icon on glass, made in the XIX century in the city of Fagaras, Romania. The icon is on display at the Brukenthal Museum in Sibiu, Romania.

Icons - On the Art of Painting on Glass

2010-01-17T19:11:00.000-08:00

My icons on glass blend in themes from Bible readings. The one above represents The Last Supper. Most of my icons are free from the constraints imposed by the techniques used to create icons on wood, in the manner of Byzatine masters.

Several centuries ago icons on glass were used as an object of cult, but also as a decorative element that would represent the biblical themes for those who could not read.
In their earlier days, icons on glass were also a token of prestige, as glass was still an expensive material at the time this technique became popular.

As that I write this note on painting on glass, I think of a quote from Joseph Joubert:

"Light is the shadow of God: clarity is the shadow of light", or in French, in the orginal:

"La lumière est l’ombre de Dieu: la clarté, l’ombre de la lumière".

The Making of the Romanian "Buddy Bear"

2010-01-06T19:12:00.000-08:00

So what is it like to tell the story of a cultural heritage combined with the story of being an artist in Berlin?

These were the very questions I had while working on the "Buddy Bear" that represents Romania in the "United Buddy Bear" exhibition.

Not entirely easy to address, but definitely fun formulating behind an easel while mixing up colors.

The answers I came by gradually originate in the profound bond I have with the Romanian folklore and religious painting - byzantine paintings to be more precise.

Some of the answers that I would get on one day, would evolve into new and difficult questions on the following one.
(I've summarized some of my views in the catalog).

But feel free to look at the bear, either in Berlin Hauptbahnhof or on line, and ask away through the "comments" box. I will try to find the answer to your questions,or maybe, by looking at the Bear, you might find the answers to questions I'm still seeking myself.

"Buddy Bear" Representing Romania at the "United Buddy Bear" Exhibition

2010-01-03T18:10:00.000-08:00

The 18th “United Buddy Bears” exhibition, takes place from November 28th, 2009 to mid-April 2010 and is the first indoor exhibition for the circle of United Buddy Bears, hosted in Berlin-Hauptbahnhof (Central Station).

I've painted the "Buddy Bear" representing Romania.

This creation is my rendition of the Romanian cultural heritage looked at through the lenses of my experiences and personal perspectives.

Now, that the 'bear' is completed and exhibited in Berlin-Hauptbahnhof, I’d like to share some photos of it, and of the exhibition.

Bewegter Raum

2009-12-28T15:41:00.000-08:00

Gemeinschaftsarbeit mit meinem Sohn Patrik
Format: 150x160
Technik: Öl und Pigmente auf Leinwand

Im Garten

2009-12-28T15:37:00.000-08:00

Gemeinschaftsarbeit mit meinem Sohn Patrik
Format: 220x150 / 90x150
Technik: Acryl auf Leinwand

Elfenreigen

2009-12-28T15:30:00.000-08:00

Tafelbild

Format: 80x58

Technik: Ei-Tempera auf Holz

Rote Pferde

2009-12-28T15:28:00.000-08:00

Tafelbild
Format: 45x35
Technik: Ei-Tempara und Blattgold

Musikpavillon im Bürgerpark Berlin-Pankow

2009-12-28T15:24:00.000-08:00

Format: 60x50

Technik: Bleistift und Ölkreide

Hoffnungskirche in Berlin-Pankow

2009-12-28T15:22:00.000-08:00

Format: 50x70

Technik: Bleistift und Ölkreide

Kavalierhaus in Berlin-Pankow

2009-12-28T15:19:00.000-08:00

Format: 60x50
Technik: Reisskohle

Nürnberg im Mittelalter

2009-12-28T15:13:00.000-08:00

Hinterglasmalerei
Format: 45x35
Technik: Tepera auf Glas

Till Eulenspiegel

2009-12-28T15:10:00.000-08:00

Hinterglasmalerei
Format: 40x50
Technik: Tempera auf Glas

Christi Geburt

2009-12-28T15:05:00.000-08:00

Hinterglasmalerei
Format: 50x60
Technik: Tempera auf Glas

Maria mit dem Kinde

2009-12-28T15:01:00.000-08:00

Ikone

Format: 10x12

Technik: Ei-Tempera auf Holz

Der Erzengel Michael

2009-12-28T14:59:00.000-08:00

Ikonenmalerei
Format: 45x35
Technik: Ei-Tempera und Blattgold auf Holz

Cleo

2009-12-28T14:52:00.000-08:00

Tafelbild
Format: 45x46
Technik: Ei-Tempera auf Holz

Georg mit dem Drachen

2009-12-28T14:42:00.000-08:00

Format: 30x26
Technik: Ei-Tempera und Blattgold auf Leinwand