Alexandru Rădvan, study for Cancer, 2007, drawing, pencil on paper, 50 x 70 cm
Alexandru Rădvan, born on May 16, 1977 in Bucharest Romania, is a graduate of National University of Arts in Bucharest, painting department, class of prof. Florin Mitroi. In 2012 he becomes doctor of philology at the Faculty of Letters, with the paper “Fantastic image made by plastic and literary means”. Currently, he is a professor at the National University of Arts Bucharest, Painting Department.
In the last decade, Alexandru Rădvan constantly exhibited in country and abroad, being a reference name for the Romanian contemporary art since 2000. His creation is based on an ample cycle of works – the series Imperator, Minotaur, Constantine the Great, Homage to Judas, Christ – who often makes references to myths and mythologies. The artist is preoccupied by the relationship between contemporary society has with myths, mythology and ancient religions. Is the contemporary man capable to deciphering and understanding ancient myths? Can he still relate to religion as our ancestors did?
Alexandru Rădvan’s works talk to the onlooker, challenge him both intellectually and emotionally. It is an art structured and designed on the idea of forcing and query the limits. Or, Alexandru Rădvan stretches the limits of representation and establishes a direct dialogue with Constantine, Judas, Christ. The three series of works or three stages in the artist’s oeuvre highlight, from an artistic perspective, the rewriting of a new humanity. The artist’s concern is the human dimension of his characters: Constantine – the man, Judas – the man, Christ – the human being. Forcing and interrogating limits lies at the very heart of his art, one that does not invite mere contemplation but rather a sharp scrutiny of whatever subject is under discussion. “I do believe images have a capacity to tell stories. I believe that painting is a living phenomenon, which cannot be approached with circumspection and attention, but rather totally, without any concern as to how one gets out of it. Like a fight”, confessed Alexandru Rădvan.
His works are part of important public and private collections in Austria, Belgium, Greece, Italy, Israel, Germany, USA and Romania.