Our Wounds are Even by Georgiana Luiza Nicolae
Gifted artist Georgiana Luiza Nicolae portrays something uniquely human in Our Wounds are Even. The image of two people with a crowd of others surrounding them is something most of us have experienced in our lives. We find kindred souls at different times in our lives and it is a true mystery how the forces of nature and fate work in this regard. Whether it is love, friendship, or just an acquaintance, the people we encounter affect our spirit in various ways.
However, in Our Wounds are Even, we get a clearer depiction of what is going on by the title itself. We are all human on this planet and therefore have various emotions, life experiences, and trauma that follows us throughout our lives. Often, the people drawn to us can have very similar life experiences. This piece showcases how even different forms of trauma, emotional response, and life experience can be similar as it marks our very being turning us into what we are to be. Without life changing us, we fail to evolve and grow.
A deeper aspect of this piece is found in how it is painted. The lack of vivid colours and distinctive features showcase the fact that we are all virtually the same. Differences occur in our personalities and perspectives, but our walk as humans is similar. No one gets through life without a few bumps and bruises along the way. We all have a path to follow and concentrating on our similarities, instead of our differences, can make us grow more capably as a society.
Georgiana Luiza Nicolae has captured a vitally important image in Our Wounds are Even that all of us need to understand. We are often walking around completely broken believing we are alone when, in fact, we are actually living in a crowd of others who would likely understand our pain if we were to open up about it. This is a deep portrayal of a seemingly simple image, but what does the artist think? Let’s ask her…
First off, are the main subjects two specific people?
They’re each and every person who has ever been caught in that moment, when you just found another soul that’s just as broken as you. You connect, and the rest of the world with its problems and urgencies blurs out and comes to a halt. No morning alarms, no traffic, deadlines, APRs, no small things. Just the bigger picture. There are only you two. And that’s enough.
What was going through your mind while painting the piece?
I’m usually inspired by music, films and books that echo my ideals. I wanted to portray the essence, the personas of two people rather than their material form hence the lack of physical detail.
What is your hope for the viewers of Our Wounds are Even?
I am aware everybody is different and most often others see an entirely different picture, based on their own experiences and beliefs. Sometimes, when someone suggests an alternative meaning, it makes me wonder if not, perhaps subconsciously, I’ve seen something similar.
Do you paint with the expectation of producing a conversation starter?
No, as an introvert, I often avoid talking about the deeper meaning behind my art. I consider it a sensitive topic, therefore I rely heavily on each artwork to do the talking for me. However, I do hope that each piece instigates the viewer to some form of internal survey.
Is the lack of colouration in the piece done for a specific reason?
Absolutely. Sometimes, I feel colour can take away from the simplicity, the purity of an idea or concept. I usually stick to a limited chromatic palette but this time I felt that lack of colour was a more appropriate approach.
What is your favourite medium to paint with?
My favourite medium is oil, due to its blending characteristics, I can create ethereal images in oil that I cannot achieve in any other medium. I use acrylics often, mostly for underpaintings or more abstract or stylized works. Another medium I love is charcoal, due to the moody feeling it conveys, something I always welcome in my practice. I think every medium has its own magic, so I try to experiment with everything, but ultimately, I return to oils.
View more artwork by Georgiana Luiza Nicolae
