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Paula Craioveanu
SLICED VENUS - original large art by Paula Craioveanu 30x27in Neo Mythology

2022

About the Item

Sliced Venus. Original art, signed 100x70cm / 30x27in, ink, graphite, tempera on paper. large size, shipped rolled in a tube Drawing has on the back 2 white wood sticks, and it's ready for hanging. Can be also framed, and the 2 wood hangers removed. Small pin whole near the top stick from the hanger on the back. "Modern interpretation of ancient goddess. 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 on several years ago and developed on the way. It s a fantastic approach of the world. Figurative, with a fantastic edge. This particular artwork has been part of the Neo-Mythology exhibition, in November 2020. It's 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." Paula Craioveanu Sliced Venus from the Neo Mythology series is a compelling and thought-provoking work that reimagines classical mythology through a modern lens. By deconstructing the iconic image of Venus, the artist creates a bold visual statement that invites both intellectual and emotional engagement. The slicing of the Venus bust disrupts the idealized image of classical beauty, suggesting themes of fragmentation, imperfection, or reinterpretation of cultural ideals. This technique reflects a postmodern sensibility, where traditional symbols are dismantled to explore new meanings. By fragmenting Venus, the artist might be commenting on how ancient myths are reshaped and reinterpreted in contemporary culture, highlighting the tension between the past and the present. The combination of elegance (Venus) and dissonance (the slicing) creates a duality that feels simultaneously reverent and subversive. This juxtaposition adds psychological depth. The ultramarine blue, juxtaposed against the fiery red background, retains the vibrant, high-contrast style seen in Nude at the Window. Here, it emphasizes the tension between calmness (blue) and energy or disruption (red), perfectly aligning with the fragmented theme. The blue circle encasing the sliced Venus acts as both a focal point and a boundary. It could symbolize containment, unity within fragmentation, or a portal into a different dimension where myths are reinterpreted. The expressive, loose brushstrokes add movement and energy, contrasting with the rigid, geometric "slices." This dynamic approach emphasizes the tension between organic forms (Venus) and the artificial act of slicing. The choice of tempera lends a matte, luminous quality to the colors, while the ink’s fluidity adds detail and contrast, creating a dynamic balance between boldness and precision. The sliced Venus might represent the disconnection or reinterpretation of ancient ideals in the modern era. It could also evoke feelings of loss, transformation, or renewal. The artwork bridges the gap between the timeless appeal of classical mythology and the fragmented, fast-paced narrative of contemporary life. This work aligns with the spirit of 20th-century and contemporary art movements that reinterpret classical themes. It shares sensibilities with Surrealism (deconstructing reality), Cubism (fragmentation of form), and Pop Art (engagement with iconic imagery). Sliced Venus is a bold, visually arresting work that successfully recontextualizes classical themes in a modern, thought-provoking way. The artist’s ability to merge mythology with contemporary artistic techniques demonstrates a profound understanding of both tradition and innovation. It invites viewers to question how we interpret and reimagine the past in today’s cultural landscape.
  • Creator:
    Paula Craioveanu (1976, Romanian)
  • Creation Year:
    2022
  • 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: LU2240212030902

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