Cristina Rusu—born in 1986 in Brașov, Romania, where the artist continues to work and reside—is a contemporary painter and sculptor tackling universal and personal notions with her characteristic spheres and organic motifs, marked by the notion of change, interconnectedness, and the introspective starting asking us who we are when no one is watching.

It is safe to say contemporary art seeks to challenge conventional perspectives and provoke new ways of thinking. And in this context, the sphere and the circle emerged consistently as powerful motifs that artists employ to explore profound concepts of universality, interconnectedness, and spiritual symbolism. Think of Alicja Kwade‘s sculptural spheres questioning the nature of existence and the elusive concept of time or Y.Z. Kami’s circular dome paintings reflect the circle’s spiritual and transcendent nature as is universally reflected in architecture and mathematics. Cristina Rusu’s ceramic sphere sculptures and painted circles offer new perspectives and glimpses into human existence’s metaphysical and spiritual dimensions.

The Romanian artist aims to challenge our perception, combining painted motifs on her spherical sculptures—think of the T Stripes series—breaching spherical space before entering it into reality with her organic flow sculptures. The symbolic character of the circle is, of course, an unlimited source of inspiration. It is a circle of life—a life, or life in general, a circle of change and continuity. However, with the sphere, we encounter and require an unlimited amount of circles to complete its form. A metaphorical take on universality and particularity—while simultaneously prompting introspection. Who are you when no one is watching? The pertinent question Cristina Rusu asks all of us. A question opening a gateway to the depths of selfhood, challenging us to transcend the external personas we adopt in the presence of others—symbolized by the ubiquitous spheres and circles.

In moments of solitude, we encounter our truest selves, engaging in an intimate exploration of authenticity, personal values, and hidden dimensions. Embracing the mystery of our own being, we realize that our identity is a mosaic of experiences, thoughts, and choices, constantly shaping and reshaping as we navigate the enigmatic journey of self-discovery. This notion of development, discovery, and adaptation takes a prominent place in her oeuvre, as the only constant element in life is change; dixit the Greek philosopher Heraclitus—a notion as universal as it is personal in the case of Rusu.

By doing so, the artist demonstrates the sheer power of elemental shapes, provoking a formal, intellectual, and spiritual inquiry where one encounters contrasting perspectives and transformative symbols. Think of Rusu’s captivating exploration of the juxtaposition between light and dark, reality and spirituality, and the tangible and intangible boundaries. Her art serves as an enchanting gateway into her world, where individuals are welcome to embrace their most authentic selves without limitations. Amidst a fast-paced and superficial era, Cristina Rusu dares her audience to pause, gaze into the mirror, and confront the profound query; who are we when no one is watching?—inciting a deeper examination of personal identity within a world consumed by external perceptions.

Cristina Rusu’s global quest to unearth her own sense of self resulted in various experiences abroad. After graduating from the University of Arts, Design and Sculpture at the Western University of Timisoara, Romania, the artist studied Interior Design in San Francisco and Painting at the Art Student League in New York, the United States of America. In 2018, she received an individual honor at the International Prize Leonardo Da Vinci—the Universal Artist, followed by various publications, including Art in America, Current Masters III, and Art International Contemporary.

Reviews

a few words…

My initial encounter with Cristina Rusu and her paintings surprised me and engaged my interest. Her Intensity, curiosity, willingness to experiment, and her bold, creative relationship with color, line and brushstrokes was apparent.

I have observed her growth as an artist during these past few years… One of the most surprising aspects of Cristina’s work is her intense and prolific passion for change that visually comes across in each of her various themes expressed in her art.

In an age in which anything can be called art Cristina takes a strong, consistent and clear position regarding the viability and importance of painting and sculpture as an expressive vehicle for a wide range of contemporary thoughts and feelings and creative directions.

Her works seem to digest and re interpret her varied themes from beginning to end using line, surface, color and scale with resonance and intensity usually on the edge between imagery and abstraction.

The viewer should keep in mind Cristina Rusu’s strong, and prolific  passion to express life; it’s complexity; beauty and pain in all aspects possible. 

Ronnie Landfield, New York, January, 2020