Interview with Alexandra Niculescu (English ver.)

Q. Welcome to u1 Gallery. We deeply appreciate you taking the time to join us  for this interview. To begin, could you kindly introduce yourself and share  how your journey in art began? 

A. Thank you for having me at the u1 Gallery. I'm Alexandra, an abstract  expressionist artist based in Bucharest. My journey began in childhood with  frequent painting. After my second childbirth, I received a scholarship  from the Milan Art Institute in the USA, which marked the start of my full -time career as an artist. 

Q. Among your body of work, is there a particular piece or series that you  feel was especially pivotal in shaping your artistic career?

A. "Expectant Euphony" with its abstract depiction of a pregnant woman,  beautifully merges the Old Masters palette and Rococo elegance. It marks  my artistic metamorphosis during pregnancy while facing thrombophilia and  was my first step into figurative art.

Q. Could you walk us through your creative process? How do you approach the  development and expression of your ideas through your art? 

A. I draw inspiration from the Old Masters, especially the Rococo period.  During my creative process, thoughts about my paintings naturally emerge,  including their names and broader concepts. I start with a palette knife  to lay down layers on canvas and overlap them extensively. This layering  continues with both big and small brushes until completion, using  intuitive brush strokes that just roll out naturally. The depth of my  paintings is enhanced by a powerful narrative story.

Q. Are there specific artists, movements, or works that have significantly  influenced your artistic vision and practice?

A. The Rococo artists like Watteau, Fragonard, and Boucher captivate my  vision with their powerful use of color. Helen Frankenthaler's dynamic  abstract expressionism also captivates me. Pat Paslow's "Stow" enchants  with its blue and warm orange contrast. Elaine de Kooning's "The Bull"  adds to this vibrant inspiration through its energetic brushwork.

Q. What do you hope audiences experience or take away when they engage with  your art? Is there a particular message or meaning you aim to convey? 

A. My recent pieces incorporate symbols of hope, triumph, and power. They  reflect my journey through motherhood and the challenges I faced with  thrombophilia during pregnancy, which required 300 injections. Despite  these difficulties, I triumphed with a healthy child. My art celebrates  strength and conveys a message of overcoming challenges with a vibrant  mindset. I aim to inspire brightness and joy in life.  

Q. Looking ahead, do you have a dream project you aspire to undertake? Could  you share some of your future plans or aspirations as an artist?

A. I aspire to create powerful, meaningful pieces filled with vibrant  emotions and depth. I want my art to inspire and connect with people,  leaving a lasting impression in their minds. Each piece is personal and  significant, embodying the power of a woman through emotion, color, story  and depth.

Q. How has your work evolved over time? Are there any specific themes or ideas  you find yourself returning to throughout your career?

A. My work has evolved to incorporate more personal themes, focusing on the  strength and resilience of women. I often return to ideas of hope,  triumph, and emotional depth, using vibrant colors and storytelling.

Q. Do you find that the context of your surroundings—whether cultural, social,  or environmental—affects your artistic process or the themes you explore?

A. Living in Bucharest, a city rich in interwar architecture, has influenced  my art. Known as 'Little Paris,' its grandeur and richness have inspired  me since childhood. The vibrant atmosphere fuels my exploration of themes  like resilience and transformation. 

Q. Finally, is there anything you would like our readers to know about you or  your work that we haven’t covered?

A. Blue is a recurring presence in my paintings, serving as both inspiration  and dreamscape. It embodies my thoughts and visions, creating skies where  dreams come true. This color weaves through my art, inviting viewers into  a world of imagination. Blue helps me tell my story and reveal truths; it  represents authenticity for me, guiding viewers through genuine emotions and narratives. 

Contact 

Artist : Alexandra Niculescu
E-mail : alexandra.niculescuart@gmail.com
Instagram : @alexandra_niculescuart