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Paula Craioveanu
Interior with Minotaur original painting by Paula Craioveanu 23.5x31.5in FRAMED

2020

About the Item

Minotaur in Interior, 80x60cm / 31.5×23.6in Shipped stretched, as it is, ready for hanging and FRAMED. This painting, "Minotaur in Interior" offers a fascinating interplay of mythological symbolism, ornate interior design, and human imagination. The central focus of the painting is a sculptural figure of the Minotaur, depicted as a fragmented, muscular bust mounted on a pedestal. Its imposing presence contrasts with the elegant, highly decorative interior setting. The ornate doors, soft lighting, and architectural details create a refined backdrop that frames the Minotaur as an artifact or relic. The composition is balanced, with the Minotaur placed slightly to the right, drawing attention to its textured, almost grotesque appearance while allowing the viewer to explore the surrounding opulence. The painting employs a warm, muted palette of creams, golds, and light blues, evoking an atmosphere of luxury and sophistication. The Minotaur itself is rendered in darker, earthy tones, with reddish and bronze highlights that emphasize its raw, primal energy. This stark color contrast symbolizes the juxtaposition between the mythical creature's savage nature and the cultured environment in which it resides. The artist's brushstrokes are fluid and expressive, particularly on the Minotaur figure. This textural looseness gives the mythical creature a dynamic, almost pulsating energy, as if it might come to life at any moment. The architectural elements and decorative details, by contrast, are more precise, creating a clear distinction between the organic and the constructed. The interplay of light and shadow is notable, as soft lighting enhances the depth of the space while casting the Minotaur’s shadow on the nearby wall. This adds a layer of drama and mystery. Symbolism. A symbol of duality—part man, part beast—it embodies the tension between civilization and primal instincts. Here, it is presented as a relic or artifact, suggesting humanity's attempt to contain or interpret its own wild nature. The ornate environment symbolizes human sophistication, culture, and refinement. Placing the Minotaur within such a setting creates a stark contrast, suggesting the coexistence or clash of chaos and order, instinct and intellect. The Minotaur is not depicted as a full figure but as a broken, fragmented piece. This symbolizes how mythology and history have been "broken apart" and repurposed over time to fit human narratives. Theme. The Minotaur, a creature of labyrinths and myths, placed in an elegant interior, evokes a dialogue between the raw, untamed forces of nature and the controlled beauty of human artifice. The painting invites viewers to consider the role of myth in modern culture. The Minotaur, once a terrifying creature, is now reduced to a statue—a representation of how myths are tamed and reinterpreted through art and history. This painting is an intriguing exploration of mythology in a contemporary context. The Minotaur’s rough, raw texture contrasts with the smooth elegance of the interior, creating a compelling visual and thematic tension. The choice to place a figure of chaos and myth within a setting of order and refinement is thought-provoking, encouraging viewers to reflect on the dualities within themselves. The work feels both timeless and modern, bridging classical myth with modern aesthetics. The artist's ability to juxtapose the savage and the sophisticated makes this piece a standout, blending storytelling with artistry in a way that is both contemplative and visually striking. Biography: Paula Craioveanu is a Romanian artist, born in 1976. She grew up surrounded by art and inspiration, in a family of artists. Trained in Bucharest and New York as an architect and painter. Holds a degree in Architecture and a PhD in Visual Arts. Presently working as a full-time artist. At the age of 16, Paula Craioveanu moved to New York, where she came in contact with New York’s vibrant art scene, she graduated from high school and then studied at Parsons School of Design. Then she moved back to Romania where she studied for the next 6 years at the Architecture University in Bucharest and graduated with a degree in Architecture in 2000. In 2013 she earned a Ph.D in Visual Arts at the University of Arts in Bucharest with the theme “Geometry of Space in 17th century Dutch painting”. After this, she dedicated her full time to art, and showed her talent to the art world. Paula Craioveanu works in acrylic and oil paints, but also pen and ink or tempera works on paper. She regularly participates in shows and exhibitions in galleries along the East and West Coast of the United States, like bG Gallery Santa Monica, Dacia Gallery and Perseus Gallery in New York. Paula Craioveanu’s work is featured on the two most exclusive online art marketplaces, 1stDibs and Artsy. Over the course of 20 years, Paula Craioveanu has created several painting series: “Abstract”, “Interiors”, “Nude in Interior”, “NeoMythology”. Paula Craioveanu’s work has been placed in private collection around the world, both in Europe and in the United States. Today, Paula Craioveanu has set up studios and works in Bucharest and New York. Find original Paula Craioveanu paintings, works on paper and other art on 1stDibs. Next: Works on display - December 2024, Context Art Miami.
  • Creator:
    Paula Craioveanu (1976, Romanian)
  • Creation Year:
    2020
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 31.5 in (80.01 cm)Width: 23.5 in (59.69 cm)Depth: 1 in (2.54 cm)
  • Medium:
  • Movement & Style:
  • Period:
  • Condition:
  • Gallery Location:
    Forest Hills, NY
  • Reference Number:
    Seller: Romanian-American artist. PhD in Visual Arts. 1stDibs: LU2240215601212

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