Foreword

This incursion into art offers the spectator a world where the voice of the subconscious creates varied and new identities.

Apparently new, because things we don't remember doesn't mean it never happened. The visual elements emphasize a space where the shape transcends senses and the consciousness becomes geometry of the depths. The chromatic universe reflects a state of spirit that calls the human essence in unlimited times. For discovering signs and symbols haunted by mystery. Something that seems to be an itinerant soul vibrates in ether, looking for a final harmony with the self. The message of origins – the artist tries to unravel – is beyond the sensorial, exceeding the frame of an ordinary experience. And this, provided here throughout concept and color, could be the answer.

The eye of perception captures a new kind of understanding, while the author defines himself and explains his work using words that turn to metaphysical dimensions.

(My thoughts were especially inspired by digital art works like: nonfigurative 12, nonfigurative 10, 11, 13, 20, 23, 27, 28, 29, 42, sea side, endless search, the mask 4, The Lovers, The Butterfly Man, decomposed flight, exit, a dream of a rose, behind the curtain.)

Nicole Patrascu

Artist statement

I am not good with words. This is the reason I use other means to communicate what I want to say.

I let my mind free. To explore a past, deep down inside me, which was with me through all of my lifes and which, in a conscious state of mind, I would not reach. To search for answers of all the questions that I have. In the first place for me. And then for all of you who share the same beliefs.

Strange and unseen shapes and figures are passing before my eyes. I feel them coming out from deep inside me from a past which I don't remember. But certainly it doesn't want to be forgotten.

About my art

It is very hard to speak about my art. I let myself free of everything. And my mind stops to function. My thoughts disappear. My hand becomes the messenger of the inner worlds. Starting to dance on the white piece of paper or on the drawing tablet of my computer, my hand creates shapes and figures never seen before. The effect of that dance is not a product of a conscious mind. It is not the consequence of a progressive way of thinking, it is not elaborate. The resulting shape has its own personality, its own strength and its own message. But if there is something that diminishes the final work of art is my mind which tries to cover the white spaces with color.

This is why it is so hard to speak about my art. Because in a way it is not my art.

Catalin Popa

Artist bio

Catalin Popa / Graphic Designer / Digital Artist

Age: 44

"Catalin Popa's work is a perfect mix between the artistic approach of a designer and the high-tech knowledge of a computer guru. He really can make things look more appealing (either they are products or services). The awards that he receive came after intensive personal studies on art directing and Catalin Popa reached the point where he knows what different categories of consumer would like to see."

Bradut Florescu former Creative Director / Notorious Adv

Personal Prizes & Achievements:

1st Prize at Graphic Contest (PC - WORLD) - August 1997
Winner of the bid organized by "The Foundantion for an Open Society" for the covers of "Fundamental Books of Romanian Culture" - June 1998
Winner of the bid organized by RAO Publishing House for logo design - January 1999
Special Mention - Pixel Upgrade Challange Gallery 115 - July 2008

Education:

1981 – 1985 High School - Bachelor Degree Bucharest

Additional Training:

October - November 1990 / Computer programmer
Institute of Information Technology
February 1999 / State of Art Design & Layout
(CODECS and Romanian Foundation for Design - Brian Cookman U.K.)

Empoyment record:

June 2008 – Present / Oringius Design Bucharest
Creative Director
I am in charge with development of strategic and creative concepts, Art Directing, Graphic Design, Imaging and illustration, Packaging Design, Company Identity System for clients such as:

New Line Image, Scolar As, Smart Kids, Datek Telecom, More Marketing Solutions, United Media Corporation, Club Universul Copiilor, Carmen Cretu Law Office, GRSP

November 1998 – July 2007 / Notorious Advertising Bucharest
Graphic Designer / Art Director
Reporting to the General Manager I was in charge with Art Directing, Graphic Design, Imaging and illustration, and Packaging Design, development of creative concepts for clients such as:

Excelent (Excelenta chocolate, Papi filled bar, Yoyo caramels, Vis bars, Diplomat candies), Mol Romania (Mol gas stations, Carrier lubricants), Robert Bosch Romania (Bosch car parts, Blaupunkt car audio lines, Skil electric tools, Bosch electric tools, Junkers heaters), Brau Union (Ciuc Premium beer, Ciuc Black beer), Kober (Aqualux Paint, Ecoplast Paint), Beiersdorf (Nivea), Posche Romania (Volkswagen), Mobexpert, Lek Pharmatech, Bricostore, Cora Romania, Domo, Cafe Monaco, Bostina & Associates, Auchan Hipermarket, Accord, YourWeekend.

December 2000–March 2001 / Notorious Advertising Bucharest
Associate Creative Director

March 2001–August 2002 / AdvertisingMaker Magazine
Art Director

March 1998 – November 1998 / Aquaris Prest Bucharest
Graphic Designer
Reporting to the General Manager I was in charge with development of creative concepts and designing for clients such as:

Asirom S.A., Romkuvert, Da Vino, Overseas Group (Baneasa Pastas).

February 1995 – March 1998 / Print Rom Com Bucharest
Graphic Designer & DTP Designer
Reporting to the General Manager I was in charge with development of creative concepts and designing for clients such as: International Book Fair, National Lottery, Romanian Commercial Bank (Design of Stocks’s) and Romanian Bank (Design of Stocks)

April 1993 – January 1995 / Olimp Publishing House Bucharest
Graphic Designer & DTP Designer
Reporting to the General Manager I was in charge with development of creative concepts and designing for clients such as:
Olimp Publishing House, Radio Romania International, SCHERING A.G.

September 1987 – April 1993 / ITCI Institute Bucharest
Analyst Programmer

Computer Specialties:

Macintosh&PC image processing, illustration and layout programs.

Exhibitions

july 5 - july 31, 2006 group exhibition Muestra Internacional de Arte Digital Venado Tuerto, Argentina

february 18 - march 11, 2005 group exhibition Gruppo VirtuArt Barcelona, Spain

december 3 - december 13, 2004 pixxelpoint - 5th international digital art festival Nova Gorica, Slovenia

september 9 - october 1, 2004 "snap to grid" (group exhibition) Los Angeles Centre for Digital Art Los Angeles, USA

august - december, 2004 2004 international art contest (online exhibition) Australia

august 23 - september 17, 2003 signs art exhibition (group exhibition) Art-Domain.Com Gallery Port d'Andratx - Mallorca, Spain

may 1 - may 4, 2003 ad.Print festival (group exhibition) Bucharest, Romania

november 22 - november 29, 2002 pixxelpoint - international computer art festival Nova Gorica, Slovenia

august - december, 2002 2002 international art contest (online exhibition) Australia

november 30 - december 7, 2001 pixxelpoint - international computer art festival Nova Gorica, Slovenia

october 14 - november 19, 2000 bit by bit - all digital art exhibition (online) Business of Art Centre - Manitou Springs, CO

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