Ionut Visan

This months cover by Aleksandar Ares.
Original photo & layout by K.K.W

Spotlight on Romania: Ionut Visan. By K.K.W

Ionut Visan,
photo courtesy of the artist.

One of the most interesting aspects of Romania, since the  post-revolution era, is an intense counter-cultural art scene of young artists. And on this stage you would find the illustrative creations of Ionut Visan. 

Untitled [from the FB album "Picturi"].
Image courtesy of the artist.

Ranging form portraits and nudes, to what seems at times symbolic, to a kind of post-pop-contemporary imagery, his work is gripping in its visual intensity. Like many painters he has a great drawing ability, making making the early stages of his paintings seem almost alive. 

Untitled [from the FB album "Picturi"].
Image courtesy of the artist.

These and his drawings have a slight look and feel, of Henri de Toulouse - Lautrec's work. Strong line-work thats has a gentle flow to it. His paintings tend to be highly illustrative in style, with a smooth brush work and soft lines.  

Untitled [from the FB album "Picturi"].
Image courtesy of the artist.

He captures not just the look, but also the essence of his subjects. A few of his works suggest a possible shift from just realism, into a kind of graphic, post-pop-contemporary style bordering on social commentary ["Cenzurat"].   

"RIP VITRUVIU"
Acryl/panza-80x80cm.
From the "Recycling rainbow project".
Image courtesy of the artist.

There's a powerful feel to these unlike his other work, something almost radical. A meaning flows from them that goes beyond what you can see, towards a strange notion in creativity, that even he might not fully know. It would seriously interesting to see him push this a bit further, he just might astound everyone...including himself.    

"CENZURAT"
Acryl/piatra neagra/panza-140x100cm
Image courtesy of the artist.

Untitled [from the FB album "works in progress].
Image courtesy of the artist. 

Ionut Visan. Photo courtesy of the artist.

If you would like to know more, go to:https://www.facebook.com/FAUNUL. "Art is the reason, art is the way". If you would like to leave a comment, click "comment", choose anonymous & write what you want.