Oana Farcas, Kaleidoscope Woman

Oana Farcas, Kaleidoscope Woman

PRESS RELEASE

Oana Farcas, Lady in Distress (Blind Date), 158X202 cm, oil on linen Courtesy Iomo Gallery
Oana Farcas,The Thinker, 205X163 cm, oil on linen Courtesy Iomo Gallery
 

IOMO Gallery is pleased to present “Kaleidoscope Woman”, a solo exhibition focused on the recent production of Romanian artist Oana Farcas, curated by Alice Zucca

In the intricate tapestry of existence, the concept of a kaleidoscope weaves a profound parallel with the figure of the woman, encapsulating her dual nature and myriad roles within society. The kaleidoscope, with its mesmerizing symphony of colors and shapes, mirrors the dynamic nature of the woman’s existence. Like the ever-shifting patterns within the kaleidoscope, the woman embodies a duality that encompasses strength and vulnerability, resilience and tenderness. She navigates the world with an unwavering spirit, adapting to the ebbs and flows of life’s kaleidoscopic transformations. Just as a kaleidoscope unfolds its breathtaking beauty through the interplay of mirrored fragments, the woman unveils her multifaceted being, shaped by the reflections of her experiences and the intricate patterns of her roles.

In the same way, through her captivating paintings, Oana Farcas invites us to embark on a philosophical journey that delves into the significance of the duality and richness of meanings behind the figure of the woman. Her art skillfully portrays female characters navigating the complexities of everyday life, their bodies and personalities, intricately interwoven with the abundance of natural and socially imposed roles. Farcas’s work unravels layers of meaning, prompting us to contemplate the importance of the figure of the woman understanding the intricate tapestry of womanhood’s complexity. Oana Farcas’s paintings capture female characters on the cusp of transformation, suspended in the liminal space within the mystical threshold where yesterday’s echoes mingle with the whispers of tomorrow, symbolizing the fluidity and adaptability inherent in the female experience.

Oana Farcas, Eve, 96X57 cm, oil on linen Courtesy Iomo Gallery
Oana Farcas, The Artist, 166X203 cm, oil on linen Courtesy Iomo Gallery

Through her art, Farcas highlights the resilience of women, who gracefully navigate the ever-changing landscape of societal expectations and norms. Objects within Farcas’s compositions play a crucial role in conveying meaning and narrative. In a captivating collision of eras, the traditional symbols of femininity entwine with the vibrant lexicon of modern aesthetics and are juxtaposed with a contemporary visual language. This contrast serves as a reflection of the evolving nature of women’s roles and the reimagining of societal norms. Farcas’s paintings invite us to question the arbitrary value assigned to objects and to contemplate the shifting definitions of femininity.

Farcas’s artistic realm resides in the ethereal space between the delicate interstice connecting the realms of the visible and the invisible, the external and the internal, the outside and the inside. The artist amalgamates various facets of mythology, fairy tales, tradition, and her own personal encounters, inviting beholders to embark on a profound contemplation of the intricate convergence between reality and the boundless realms of imagination. In her characters, Farcas dauntlessly transcends the confines of conventional boundaries, boldly challenging the notion of a fixed, singular identity exclusively designated for women. Instead, she rejoices in the rich tapestry woven by the intricate interplay of both perceived and intangible experiences, recognizing that both realms significantly contribute to the complex mosaic that ultimately shapes and defines one’s true self. Farcas’s artistry not only beckons viewers to explore the depths of their own perception and imagination but also serves as a testament to the profound significance of acknowledging the myriad influences that shape our individual existence. Through her unique artistic expression, she passionately celebrates the multifaceted nature of human experience through women’s eyes, interwoven with the enigmatic threads of reality and the unfathomable realms of the unseen.

The figures depicted in Farcas’ paintings exude robustness and passionate emotions, often caught in the midst of action in the suspended moment where everything can happen. In the frozen tableau of the canvas, a single moment pulses with the energy of potential and transformation, evoking the essence of a film frame like a moment suspended in time. The painting captures an action on the brink of unfolding, where every possibility lingers in the air like a suspended breath. The viewer’s imagination is ignited as the still image hints at the dynamic motion about to burst forth, inviting us to fill the gaps between frames with our own narratives and interpretations. In Farcas’ art, the artist masterfully encapsulates the enigmatic power of the suspended moment, where the boundaries of time and action blur, leaving us suspended in anticipation of what is to come. Through her portrayal of women as vibrant and dynamic beings, Farcas boldly rejects the notions of passivity and objectification. By emphasizing the tangible physicality of her subjects, she reminds us of the depth and vitality that women bring to their multifaceted roles in society.

In Oana Farcas’ «Kaleidoscope Woman», we encounter a profound and introspective exploration of the paramount importance of the figure of the woman on its many different levels of meaning. Her work challenges societal narratives and expectations, celebrating the unwavering resilience, adaptability, and passion that women bring to their lives and the world around them. Engaging with Farcas’s evocative and thought- provoking work encourages us to question our own perceptions of identity, reconsider the ever-evolving nature of societal norms, and revel in the intricate interplay between reality and the boundless realm of the invisible and possibilities.

Farcas allows us to witness the complex interplay of diverse perspectives, emotions, and experiences that women bring to the fore, urging us to recognize the inherent worth and intrinsic value of their influences. She challenges prevailing narratives that may have marginalized or diminished the presence of women, endeavoring to disrupt preconceived notions and reshape our collective consciousness. This exhibition is an invitation to embrace a more inclusive and equitable understanding of human existence. It calls upon us to acknowledge and honor the myriad ways in which women have shaped our cultural heritage, our social progress, and our shared destiny. Through her creative expressions, Farcas ignites a fervent dialogue that celebrates the multifaceted brilliance of women and invites us all to participate in their resounding chorus of empowerment, resilience, acceptance, and transformation.

In the kaleidoscopic tapestry of life, having a multifaceted vision opens our eyes to the limitless possibilities that exist within and around us. Embracing this vision, we transcend the confines of a narrow lens and fixed mindset, allowing ourselves to become active participants in the ever-evolving dance of being. Through Oana Farcas’ lens, we come to understand that the beauty of life lies not in its predictable patterns and categories but in the harmonious blending of diverse perspectives and ways of being. This is an invitation to recognize the inherent complexity and richness of the human experience, celebrating the unique contributions that each woman and individual brings to the kaleidoscope of existence.

NOTES TO EDITORS:

Oana Farcas

Oana Farcas (b.1981- Cluj) is a Romanian contemporary artist living and working in Cluj-Napoca, Romania. Farcas earned her PhD from the prestigious University of Art and Design in Cluj- Napoca in 2010, solidifying her expertise and artistic prowess. Since then, her works have been showcased in renowned exhibitions across major cities in Europe and the United States, earning her international recognition for her distinct dreamlike figurative silhouettes, objects, and poses. With an elaborate and provocative visual discourse, Farcas’s paintings offer a fragmentary and ambiguous analysis of thoughts, sensations, and images that come to light only within specific contexts. Her artistic expression captivates the audience, inviting them to explore a world brimming with symbolism and evocative narratives. Considered one of the most promising and talented artists of her generation, Oana Farcas delves into the female reality, unveiling an exuberant variety of female characters who embrace their everyday lives. Within her canvases, these characters seamlessly integrate into the fabric of contemporary reality, which is composed of intricately woven pieces of trimmings and finishes, representing the diverse roles imposed by societal norms. Farcas’s paintings capture these female characters at the delicate threshold between yesterday and tomorrow, where the transformation of symbolic objects and personal belongings becomes inevitable. Jewelry, perfumes, clothing, silk dresses, carpets, curtains, sheets, furs, and other objects, once considered prestigious goods, undergo rapid and profound changes in meaning within the logic of our present times and contemporary visual language. Oana Farcas’s artistry evokes a profound exploration of the human experience, unveiling the intricate layers of femininity and the complexities of societal expectations. Through her masterful brushstrokes, she invites viewers on a visual journey that challenges perceptions and celebrates the richness of the female identity.

IOMO Gallery

IOMO GALLERY opened in 2020 in one of the most vibrant cultural centres for contemporary art in Bucharest – Combinatul Fondului Plastic – and is a museum-quality art space with an international program focused on promoting contemporary art, relevant both to the political environment and to the cultural heritage of today’s society. IOMO is showcasing most of the young artists, creators of the next decades of visual art and worldwide established names, defining the latest artistic tendencies and empowering those who wish to create change in the world by addressing difficult topics, as well as expressing deeply personal views that every individual can relate to.

Alice Zucca

Alice Zucca is an Art Historian, independent art curator, journalist, public relations and image building consultant specializing in culture, art, design, photography, and architecture. With a career spanning since 2016, Alice has been actively engaged in publishing and journalism, working across various communication channels ranging from traditional and online press to digital, social, and new media. She has served as a press officer, curator and visual creator for esteemed international brands, artists, and galleries worldwide. Her expertise encompasses a wide range of skills, including written and visual communication, profile and story development, branding, art direction, project management, and media relations. She is the founder of the specialized platform XIBT that includes an international magazine published on a quarterly basis and focused on contemporary art and photography.

The show will be on view from 17 June through 25 July, 2023.

An opening reception will be held on Saturday, 17 June 2023, from 5 pm in Bucharest.

 

Oana Farcas Kaleidoscope Woman curated by Alice Zucca

17 June – 25 July 2023

Opening Saturday 17 June 6 pm EEST / 5 pm CEST

IOMO Gallery, Bucharest

Băiculești 29, sector 1

013193 Bucharest

Tuesday – Saturday 11 am – 6 pm

Media Contact:

communication [at] alicezucca.art